Each year, more than 448,000
football-related injuries to youths under age 15 are treated in
hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and
hospital emergency rooms.
The total cost of these football-related injuries was more than $6.89 billion in 1999. (Including medical, legal and liability, work loss and pain and suffering costs.)
Protective equipment is one of the most important factors in the prevention of injury in football at the youth and high school levels.
Play It Safe and wear the equipment required by most youth football leagues:
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Shoulder pads, hip pads, tail pads, knee pads
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Pants (one piece or shell)
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Thigh guards
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Jersey
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Mouthguard (A keeper strap is required.)
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Athletic supporter
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Shoes (In some leagues, players can wear sneakers or non-detachable, rubber cleated shoes. Detachable cleats of a soft-composition also are allowed in some leagues. Check with your coach about the type of shoe allowed in your league.)
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Protective equipment is one of the most important sports safety factors in minimizing the risk of injury in football. Play It Safe and wear the equipment required by most youth football leagues.
Source: Pop Warner Football, Official Rule Book, and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
For comprehensive sports safety information click here.
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