Some injuries are so serious that there's no question - you're going to the emergency room. It's tougher to gauge routine injuries.

Here's a list of questions to help you determine the next step:

Can the child move the injured body part?

Does it look different? Compare with the other arm, hand, foot, etc.

Is it swollen? If so, the child should not return to action.

Can the child stand? If not, you need to call 911 because further stress could cause ligament damage.

Can the child walk? If not, go to a hospital to check for fractures and other damage.

Can the child run a sharp turn and squat? If so, allow a return to the game. Squatting requires a combination of strength and balance and is difficult if you have a serious underlying injury.

Source: Dr. Randolph Cohen, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.

Bump to the head: Apply ice. Make sure the child is coherent. If the child is nauseated or vomits, has blurred vision or a headache, go to the emergency room.

Teeth knocked out: Ice the mouth and gums. Tilt the child's head forward to prevent swallowing blood or any other teeth that may be loose. Place tooth in cold milk or water, but handle it as little as possible. Contact dentist immediately.

Jammed finger: Compare it with the same finger on the other hand before icing. If it stops hurting, the child can return to the game or practice. But don't try to tape it to a neighboring finger; you could aggravate the injury.

Turned ankle: Have the child stay on the ground and leave shoe on. Leaving it laced can keep the swelling down. Apply ice and prop up the foot.

Altered expression or orientation: Check for a vacant stare, puzzled look or an athlete unsure of time, date or recent events.

Altered memory or concentration: Have the athlete count backward from 100 by threes, or list months backward.

Altered coordination: Have the player walk heel-to-toe, or touch fingers to nose while standing with eyes closed.

Players who show no symptoms and can execute brief exercises, such as jumping jacks and sprints, can return to action. But doctors suggest waiting 20 minutes after the incident and closely watching the player the rest of the game.

Source: Dr. Ian Heger, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood

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TIPS FOR YOUTH SPORTS COACHES

- Focus more on stretching and conditioning, especially early in the season.

- Be aware of the heat and don't deny players water as a means of punishment.

- Know the medical histories of your players.

- Always have a first-aid kit.

Source: Dr. Maria Torres, West Boca Medical Center, Boca Raton, Fla.