Differences in incidence and type of injuries in recreational netball players of different ages

Abstract

Introduction: The emergence of professional women’s sporting codes has stimulated growth in female participation at grassroots amateur levels, with netball leading female sports participation rates in Australia. Pathway programs directed at younger athletes increase their exposure, and combined with the adolescent growth spurt, likely increase injury risk. Yet few studies report injury rates of younger amateur players, and it is unknown whether injury rates or types of injury differ in younger compared to older players.