Many of the cricket lover in India were sad to find that some of their favourates players were unable to participate in upcoming Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. The absence of the key player due to different "injuries" reduces the match interest amomg the audiences and cricket fans. These sportsman always get themselves into injury risks. Especially the contact sports player. We have seen in the wrestling, the Martial arts, not finding our players 100% , we somehow losses the interest to watch their game.
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Sportsmen are prone to injuries because they often push their bodies to extreme limits, which can lead to overuse injuries from repetitive motions, improper training techniques, inadequate warm-up or cool-down routines, playing on uneven surfaces, contact with other players in certain sports, and sometimes even pre-existing anatomical variations, all contributing to potential muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendonitis, and fractures depending on the sport and activity level.
In sports, most of injuries happen, in contact sports. These sports are defined as sports where the impact of one person against another is an inherent part of the sport. A contact sport is a sport where players are allowed to make physical contact with each other as part of the game. Some examples of contact sports include:
- Boxing
- Football, especially American football and rugby
- Ice hockey
- Martial arts
- Wrestling
I remember, being hit in my elbows multiple times, and my foot being swollen mant times due to Martial arts training. Contact sports can carry a high risk of injury, so some people should not participate, including those with a history of epileptic seizures or contagious skin diseases. It's also not recommended for an injured person to participate in a contact sport until they were fully recovered.
Falling down, rising up
There were always been talk about regulating the sports. Regulating contact sports for safety is not only acceptable but considered necessary to minimize the risk of injuries while still allowing people to participate in these activities. Proper rules, framework, equipment, and enforcement can significantly improve safety in contact sports without taking away from the competitive nature of the game. Here are certain key points in favor of regulating contact sports for safety:
Reduces injury risk: Implementing rules that limit dangerous play, such as targeting the head or excessive force, can significantly decrease the likelihood of serious injuries.
Promotes proper technique: Clear guidelines on tackling, hitting, and body positioning can encourage players to use safer techniques.
Enforces equipment usage: Mandatory use of appropriate protective gear like helmets, pads, and mouthguards can provide added protection.
Age appropriate regulations: Adjusting rules and contact levels based on age and developmental stage can help protect younger athletes.
Medical oversight: Ensuring proper medical evaluation and supervision before participation can identify potential risks and manage injuries effectively.
Stronger every day
It is perfectly acceptable to avoid the contact sports, as they carry a higher risk of injury compared to non-contact sports, and choosing to participate in activities with less physical contact is a personal decision that should be respected based on our comfort level and health considerations. If we have concerns about potential injuries, opting for non-contact sports is a reasonable choice. Following are points to consider for opting other sports than contact sports.
Contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling have a higher likelihood of injuries like concussions, sprains, and fractures due to the nature of physical contact involved.
Everyone has different comfort levels with physical activity, and choosing non-contact sports allows us to enjoy exercise without the risk of significant impact.
- Many non-contact sports provide excellent exercise and fitness benefits, such as swimming, tennis, golf, running, and cycling.
The current state of contact sports is that they are in crisis, and the future of the sports depends on the ability to adapt and innovate while ensuring the health and well-being of the players. It is upto the player to make a choice, hutbthe passion and love for the sports make them not to stop.