Rate of Injury Among Youth Lacrosse Players

Abstract

This study describes the rate of injury and the types and mechanisms of injuries incurred by girls and boys during youth recreational lacrosse. Prospective cohort study. Games were played at a large turf community athletic complex. Participants included male and female lacrosse players aged 9-15 years. A total of 143 games were played, resulting in 4603 athlete-exposures (AEs). Youth players were grouped based on sex and 3 age categories: under 11 (U11; 9-10 years), under 13 (U13; 11-12 years), and under 15 (U15; 13-14 years). Certified athletic trainers collected data on type of injury and injury mechanism. There were 6.3 injuries per 1000 AEs for boys and girls combined. Girls had 7 injuries (3.4 per 1000 AEs) and boys had 22 injuries (8.7 per 1000 AEs). Contusions and lacerations were the most frequent injury (n = 13), and body-to-body contact (n = 10) was the most common injury mechanism. There were 4 concussions among boys (U13 and U15) and none among girls. Most injuries evaluated in youth lacrosse were contusions/lacerations; however, serious injuries were observed, including concussions in boys in the age group where body contact is allowed.