Hey folks! I'm choosing my extracurricular for this semester and thought I'd try a sport. But, before I dive in, I wanna know, which are the most dangerous high school sports, according to injury data? I obviously want to know what I'm getting myself into. Thanks!
When considering the "most dangerous" high school sports, it's important to remember that risk varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the specific sport, position played, and individual level of physical fitness and skill. According to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study conducted by the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the sports with the highest injury rates were football for boys and soccer for girls. Concussions were a major concern in both.
This study measured sports injuries from 100 U.S. high schools, and found that football had the highest rate of injury at 3.78 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures, which includes practices and competitions. Soccer for girls had the second-highest injury rate with 1.63 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures.
But injury rates do not tell the whole story, as some injuries are mild and treatable, whereas others can be more severe. For instance, football, wrestling, and cheerleading are known to have the highest rates of severe injuries, with cheerleading often leading in catastrophic injuries.
Of course, safety measures and proper training can significantly reduce the risk. Coaches and trainers should stress the importance of warming up, maintaining good form, using the appropriate safety equipment, and demonstrating safe play. Also, remember to listen to your body and report any pain or discomfort to your athletic trainer or coach. Be aware, though, that every sport carries its own risks and benefits, and it's important to choose a sport that suits your personal interests and abilities. Don't let the statistics scare you away from trying something new - with proper training and care, many sports can be participated in safely.
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