Pro Players Research Articles

Average demands and most demanding passages of national-level female soccer matches: do small- and large-sided games replicate match demands?

This study aims to (1) determine the average and most demanding passage (MDP) load of national-level female soccer matches and (2) evaluate the relationship between average and MDP load during small-sided games (SSGs), large-sided games (LSGs), and matches. A total of 37 national-level female soccer players from a single club senior team and the U18 team participated. The average and 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDP external (total, high-speed, and very-high-speed running distances, acceleration and deceleration distances, average metabolic power, and high-metabolic load distance) and internal loads (average heart rate, rate of perceived exertion) of the 29 league matches, ten 4 vs. 4 + goalkeepers SSGs, and six 8 vs. 8 + goalkeepers LSGs were analyzed by the Polar Team Pro player tracking system. In matches, the external load variables during 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDPs were 167%-1,165%, 135%-504%, and 126%-359%, of match average values, respectively. In LSGs, all external load variables reached higher average values compared with those during matches, except for the very-high-speed running distance; however, no variable reached higher values of 1-min MDP compared with those during the matches. In SSGs, the average acceleration and deceleration distances were higher compared with those during the matches. The findings from the present study suggest that LSGs and SSGs can be used to overload the average values of the selected external load variables compared with those during the matches; however, other training options must be explored to overload 1-min match MDPs.

Development of national tennis player value chain structure: statistical analysis of tennis player pathway

Creating a system of tennis player development to establish and sustain a nation's competitive performance is a problem faced by many countries. This research attempts to implement the value chain structure of tennis player development and the tennis player pathway developed by Cakravastia and Setiawan (2022). This paper develops a partial least squares model by analysing the data of 41 countries from the ITF Global Report (2021). The results of this study identify Total tennis coaches and Total tennis courts in a country have a significant effect on the number of total tennis players in that country. This study confirmed there is a significant relationship between the total number of tennis players, the total number of junior players, the total number of pro players, and the total number of players representing a country in the Grand Slam main draw.

The Relative Age Effect in Ice Hockey: Analysis of Its Presence, Its Fading and of a Reversal Effect among Junior and Professional Leagues.

This study analyzes the relative age effect (RAE) among the world's best junior hockey leagues and in the NHL. Despite the prevalence of RAE in ice hockey, past research suggests its fading-reversal over time, which may occur at later stages of athletic development. The hypothesis of the RAE reversal was tested with two sources of raw data files from the 2021-2022 season: 15 of the best international junior and minor professional leagues (N = 7 399) and the NHL (N = 812). Birth quartile distributions were analyzed to verify the prevalence of RAE and quantile regression was used to test the reversal of RAE hypotheses. Advanced hockey metrics were aggregated from multiple data sources and used to compare early born with late born players using birth quartiles. Prevalence of the RAE was verified with crosstabs analyses and quantile regression was used to test the reversal effect. Results indicated that the RAE still prevailed in ice hockey, with higher magnitude in Canadian leagues. Regression analyses showed that late-born junior and minor pro players, despite getting less exposure in terms of games played, attained levels of offensive production similar to those of early born players. Late-born players able to emerge in the NHL performed similarly and sometimes displayed better performance (in some markers). Results suggest that stakeholders should find ways to pay special attention to late born players in talent identification processes and offer them opportunities to develop at the highest levels.

The swing performance Index: Developing a single-score index of golf swing rotational biomechanics quantified with 3D kinematics.

Golf swing generates power through coordinated rotations of the pelvis and upper torso, which are highly consistent among professionals. Currently, golf performance is graded on handicap, length-of-shot, and clubhead-speed-at-impact. No performance indices are grading the technique of pelvic and torso rotations. As an initial step toward developing a performance index, we collected kinematic metrics of swing rotational biomechanics and hypothesized that a set of these metrics could differentiate between amateur and pro players. The aim of this study was to develop a single-score index of rotational biomechanics based on metrics that are consistent among pros and could be derived in the future using inertial measurement units (IMU). Golf swing rotational biomechanics was analyzed using 3D kinematics on eleven professional (age 31.0 ± 5.9 years) and five amateur (age 28.4 ± 6.9 years) golfers. Nine kinematic metrics known to be consistent among professionals and could be obtained using IMUs were selected as candidate variables. Oversampling was used to account for dataset imbalances. All combinations, up to three metrics, were tested for suitability for factor analysis using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin tests. Principal component analysis was performed, and the logarithm of Euclidean distance of principal components between golf swings and the average pro vector was used to classify pro vs. amateur golf swings employing logistic regression and leave-one-out cross-validation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal set of kinematic metrics. A single-score index calculated using peak pelvic rotational velocity pre-impact, pelvic rotational velocity at impact, and peak upper torso rotational velocity post-impact demonstrated strong predictive performance to differentiate pro (mean ± SD:100 ± 10) vs. amateur (mean ± SD:82 ± 4) golfers with an AUC of 0.97 and a standardized mean difference of 2.12. In this initial analysis, an index derived from peak pelvic rotational velocity pre-impact, pelvic rotational velocity at impact, and peak upper torso rotational velocity post-impact demonstrated strong predictive performance to differentiate pro from amateur golfers. Swing Performance Index was developed using a limited sample size; future research is needed to confirm results. The Swing Performance Index aims to provide quantified feedback on swing technique to improve performance, expedite training, and prevent injuries.

Exploring the Y-Balance-Test scores and inter-limb asymmetry in soccer players: differences between competitive level and field positions

BackgroundThe postural stability seems to be important in the physical development of the soccer player and the specific tasks related to the game. In addition, it is related to the injury risk and therefore, with the injury prevention and retraining processes. In this context, the Y Balance Test (YBT) is presented as a tool to assess dynamic postural control.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the differences and possible correlations in the YBT scores and inter-limb asymmetry for anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) directions by category and field position in soccer players.Methods173 males soccer players aged between 14 and 33 years old agreed to participate. Five categories and six field position were considered in this study. A standardised protocol was used at multiple clubs during the pre-season assessment of musculoskeletal function in soccer players. All the players performed the Y Balance Test (YBT) (official YBT Kit), assessing the dominant and non-dominant leg for three YBT directions (anterior-AN, posteromedial-PM and posterolateral-PL), inter-limb asymmetry and composite score.ResultsFor AN, amateur and semiprofessional obtained the highest values for Dominant and Non-Dominant legs (Rangemean = 101.8–109.4%) and the lowest level in PRO players (mean: 62.0%). Concerning PM-PL, semiprofessional (Rangemean = 126.4–132.7%, dominant and non-Dominant respectively), followed by professional and amateur reported higher scores compared to youth categories. Inter-limb asymmetry showed higher values in lower age categories. The best composite scores were detected in semiprofessionals (Rangemean = 113.3–126.7% for dominant and Rangemean = 113.8–129.7% for non-Dominant leg), compared with the rest of the categories and for each field position evaluated.ConclusionComparisons between field-positions revealed that centre-backs were worse than wingers and forwards. In order to explain variations in dynamic balance between competitive levels within the same age-group, special considerations about training programmes and related co-variables should be considered.

Groups of Gamers: Market Segmentation of Brazilian Electronic Gamers

ABSTRACT The electronic games industry is a new, dynamic, and fast-growing economic sector. However, organizations in this industry do not know the profile of their consumers. In view of this knowledge gap, the objective of this research paper is to analyze groups of electronic games consumers in the Brazilian market, in terms of their socio-demographic, behavioral, and expenditure characteristics. Using market segmentation literature and motivational variables found in games literature, this paper uses self-organizing maps and analysis of variance to segment 601 Brazilian gamers. The results demonstrate the existence of five different groups of games players and that, in order to reach each group, different strategies need to be used. The first group consists of t players who play all the time. The second has the same features as the first, but they do not have the same amount of time available to play. The third group consists of pro players. The fourth group and fifth group are the new challenge for games companies.

Editorial

Welcome to issue 79 of the ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review. This issue covers a range of aspects in the game including energy demands for different surfaces, the transition to the yellow ball, aerobic fitness training, the commitment of pro players, the influence of height and service performance, variability in technique, and more.

숙련도에 따른 클럽별 요인의 일관성 분석

The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference of consistency in golf swing through the CV(coefficient of variation) among 3 clubs(driver, 7 iron, pitching wedge) on skill level(tour-pro player and semi-pro player). Fifteen tour-pro players(age: 28.9±3.7 yrs, height: 175.6±2.8 cm, weight: 70.6±4.3 kg, career: 12.3±1.5 yrs, handy: 1.9±1.4 yrs) and fifteen semi-pro players(age: 27.2±4.1 yrs, height: 174.6±3.9 cm, weight: 73.6±4.5 kg, career: 10.1±5.3 yrs, handy: 2.3±2.4 yrs) were participate in the experiment. The experimental tools used in this study were trackman, golf club variables and golf ball variables. The results were as follows; The drive showed the highest CV in the attack angle, swing plane, dynamic loft, carry flat length, launch angle, max height height, and carry flat time. 7 iron showed the lowest CV in club speed, attack angle, swing plane, dynamic loft, carry flat length, ball speed, launch angle, max height height and carry flat time. PW showed the highest CV in club speed, swing plane, face angle, and ball speed. Also, in the skill level, the tour pro players showed lower CV in club path, dynamic loft, and launch angle than the semi pro players.

The Effect of South Korea FA Cup Game Attendance Factors on Spectator Satisfaction and Re-attend Intention Based on Sports Industry

본 연구는 한국축구 FA컵 경기관람요인이 관람만족 및 재관람의도에 미치는 영향을 규명하는데 목적이 있다. 연구를 위해 FA컵 3라운드 3경기 관중들을 대상으로 설문조사를 실시하였다. 자료처리 분석을 위해 SPSS 20.0 프로그램을 이용하여 빈도분석, 탐색적 요인분석, 상관관계분석, 다중회귀분석을 사용하였다. 이와 같은 분석을 통해 얻어진 결론은 다음과 같다.BR 첫째, 한국축구 FA컵 경기관람요인은 관람만족에 부분적으로 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 한국축구 FA컵 경기관람요인은 재관람의도에 부분적으로 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 한국축구 FA컵 관람만족은 재관람의도에 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 대한축구협회는 TV중계 제작비 지원, 대회 자료제공 및 데이터베이스 구축, SNS 대학생 기자단 모집, 빅데이터를 활용한 아마추어 팀 경기력 향상, 지역연고제 강화, 프로선수들의 아마 팀 이적 환경 조성, 아마 팀의 경기장 시설 확충 등의 실무적 차원의 노력을 기울여야 할 것이다.

F-25 Free Communication/Poster - Mitochondrial and Metabolic Responses

It has been shown that professional ice hockey players have changed physically and physiologically over the last 20-30 years. These characteristics may differ from players within the Canadian university system despite both groups of players evolving through similar minor and junior hockey leagues. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare various anthropometric and fitness parameters between professional and varsity ice hockey players. METHODS: Convenient samples from both a National Hockey League team and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport team were assessed at a similar time, immediately prior to the beginning of their respective leagues. Each player from both teams was assessed using the same equipment and protocols. A statistical comparison was made between the whole team including goaltenders and between forwards and defense. RESULTS:There were significant differences between the professional and varsity players in age (Varsity vs. Pro: 23±2 vs. 28±5 yrs.); body mass (85.9±6.0 vs. 93.7±7.1 kg); combined hand grip strength (128±18 vs. 144±13 kg); vertical jump height leg power (5543±555 vs. 6230± 637 w); absolute peak 5s anaerobic power (1261±115 vs. 1438±139 w), relative peak 5s anaerobic power (14.7±0.6 vs.15.3±0.7 w×kg-1); upper body power (4.5±0.4 vs.6.2±0.6 m); and, relative VO2max (55.1±4.8 vs. 51.4±3.5 ml×kg-1×min-1). However, the varsity defense was not different from the Pro defense for grip strength and the varsity forwards did not differ from Pro forwards for relative peak 5s anaerobic power. CONCLUSIONS: There were various physical and physiological differences between professional and varsity ice hockey players. In general, pro players were older, heavier and stronger with greater leg power and anaerobic fitness than varsity players. However, varsity ice hockey players had superior relative aerobic fitness which may have been partly due to their significantly lower body mass.

한국 프로바둑기사 포석 인식을 위한 선형판별분석과 주성분분석 비교

ABSTRACT The game of Go, which is originated at least more than 2,500 years ago, is one of the oldest board games in the world. So far the theoretical studies concerning to the Go openings are still insufficient. We applied traditional LDA algorithm to recognize a pro player's opening to a class obtained from the training openings. Both class-independent LDA and class-dependent LDA methods are conducted with the Go game records of the Korean top 10 professional Go players. Experimental result shows that the average recognition rate of class-independent LDA is 14% and class-dependent LDA 12%, respectively. Our research result also shows that in contrary to our common sense the algorithm based on PCA outperforms the algorithm based on LDA and reveals the new fact that the Euclidean distance metric method rarely does not inferior to LDA. Keywords : Go openings(바둑포석), Linear Discriminant Analysis(선형판별분석), Principal Component Analysis(주성분분석), Euclidean distance metric(유클리디언 거리 측정) Received: Jul. 12, 2013 Accepted: Jul. 31, 2013Corresponding Author: Byung-Doo Lee(Sehan University)E-mail: blee026@korea.comISSN: 1598-4540 / eISSN: 2287-8211Ⓒ The Korea Game Society. All rights reserved. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.otg/licenses/by-nc/3.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Basketball Ability Testing and Category for Players with Mental Retardation

Although sport for athletes with mental retardation (MR) is achieving an important role, the literature concerning basketball tests and training is still poor. The aims of this study were to verify whether the basketball test battery could be an appropriate modality to classify the players in the Promotion (Pro) category, to assess basketball abilities before (PRE) and after (POST) an 8-month training in players with MR in relation to Competitive (Comp) and Pro categories, to analyze the variation of specific basketball abilities based on subjects' MR diagnosis. Forty-one male basketball players with MR (17 Comp and 24 Pro; age range 18-45 years; MR: 15% mild, 54% moderate, 29% severe, and 2% profound) were assessed PRE and POST training through the basketball test battery, which assessed 4 ability levels of increasing difficulty (from I to IV), each one characterized by the analysis of fundamental areas (ball handling, reception, passing, and shooting). Level I was significantly changed after the intervention period regardless of the Category, whereas shooting was affected by the interaction between Category and Intervention. The results showed significant differences between categories in the scores of individual global, level I, level II, level III, and in all fundamental areas. Individual global score in both categories significantly increased. The players of Comp significantly improved in level III, in ball handling, reception, passing, and shooting scores. The players of Pro improved significantly in level II, in ball handling, reception, and passing scores. Individual global, ability levels I-III, and fundamental area scores were negatively correlated to the MR level indicating that the players with a lower MR obtained higher ability scores. In conclusion, it was found that the basketball test battery could be useful for improving and monitoring training in both Comp and Pro players.

Postural control in Tunisian soccer players

Summary The relation between the contribution of vision and the expertise level on postural control appears to depend on the sport practised. The purpose of our work is to analyse the postural control and the use of visual information in soccer players according to their level of competition. Methods Two groups of healthy soccer players were investigated: an amateur (AM) (n = 16) group composed of regional-level players and a professional group at a national level (PRO) (n = 16). Posture was assessed by measuring the center of gravity velocity (COG) with a force platform “Balance Master®” during a test (30 s) of bipedal and single-leg stance quiet standing posture. Results The COG velocity was significantly greater in the AM group than in the PRO group with EO and EC. The vision and surface factors engendered significant differences in both the AM and PRO groups (P Conclusion The contribution of vision in postural maintenance was less important in the PRO players than in the AM players.

Under Armour: Taking on the Goliaths

This case traces Under Armour from its founding in 1996 through 2008 when the company entered the hyper-competitive non-cleated athletic footwear market. In 1996, with an innovative product and locker room access to college and pro players, Kevin Plank started Under Armour. He turned a struggling t-shirt company into a dominant player capturing 75% of the performance apparel market. In 2006, Under Armour successfully entered the athletic footwear market with a line of football cleats. Under Armour was the first company to disrupt Nike's dominance of the football cleat market by gaining 25% of the market within a year of introduction. In 2008, Under Armour entered the non-cleated athletic footwear market with a cross-trainer sneaker line and a $4.4 million Super Bowl ad. Unlike prior introductions, Nike responded aggressively to Under Armour's move into sneakers. Despite increased sales, Under Armour's costs increased, and profits and stock price decreased. The case concludes by asking students to evaluate Under Armour's next move. An extensive exhibit provides an overview of the athletic footwear industry in 2008.

Golfers, Pros Team Up to Benefit the ASHFoundation

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderASHA News1 Mar 2011Golfers, Pros Team Up to Benefit the ASHFoundation Beverly Ryan Beverly Ryan Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.AN2.16032011.32 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110315/Golfers,-Pros-Team-Up-to-Benefit-the-ASHFoundation.htm Under sunny Florida skies, more than 120 golfers, touring members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), and friends of the ASHFoundation took a respite from winter’s grip to gather at ChampionsGate Golf Resort near Orlando, Fla., for a weekend of golf, festivities, and fundraising at the ASHFoundation’s 2011 golf benefit. The highlight of the Jan. 29–30 event was Sunday’s golf tournament. An LPGA touring professional played with each foursome, a unique feature of the ASHFoundation event. LPGA pro Suzy Whaley returned to coordinate the pro player field, which included Danah Ford Bordner, Audra Burks, Brittany Lincicome, Donna Wilkins, Jackie Gallagher-Smith, Jennifer Gleason, Shasta Averyhardt, Liz Janangelo, Leta Lindley, Janice Moodie. and Jenny Suh. Many of the pros mingled and networked with golfers at the pre-tournament pairings dinner party. Touring pros from the LPGA joined the ASHFoundation foursomes on the links. “The golf benefit is a success not only because of the wonderful ASHFoundation friends who participate, but also because of the generosity of tournament sponsors,” noted Rick Talbott, tournament chair. Talbott extended special thanks to the 28 corporate, nonprofit, and individual sponsors, including ASHA (platinum); EBS Healthcare, Genesis Rehab Services, Hearing HealthCare News, Oticon, and ReSound (gold); Kilpatrick Townsend, Marsh, Pearson, Professional Golfers of America, SunTrust/Iron Oak Advisors, The Walker Group/AtSite (silver); LinguiSystems (pairings dinner); and Progressus Therapy (beverage cart). (For a complete sponsor list, go to the ASHFoundation’s website.) Members of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association from the University of Central Florida volunteered at the tournament. First-place tournament winners in the Stars Flight were Sandy and Tom Ulrich and Diane and Arnie Eger, playing with pro Jennifer Gleason. First-place winners in the Champions Flight were Judy LeDuc, Mary Lou Poole, and Cheryl Russell, playing with pros Carri Wood and Naree Song. The longest-drive winners were Vince Wesley, Greg Kleffner, Sandy Ulrich, and Margaret Rogers. Closest-to-the-pin winners were Rosemary LeBlanc and Chuck McLean. Jim Remy, immediate past president of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and featured speaker at the pairings dinner party, acknowledged his pleasure at supporting the professional charity of his wife, speech-language pathologist Darlene Remy. He remarked that his job—managing golf carts, selling golf sweaters, and teaching golf—is much easier than that of his wife, who serves children in schools. Remy thanked the audiologists and SLPs in attendance for their important work and dedication to helping others. Remy presented a Ryder Cup flag, autographed by all of the 2010 team members, for the evening’s live auction. He also provided two week-long VIP passes to the 2011 PGA Championship in August at the Atlanta Athletic Club, two tickets to an LPGA event of the winner’s choosing, and two ski passes to the Okemo Ski Resort in Vermont. Dennis Hampton, ASHFoundation past president, won the package. The golf benefit and all ASHFoundation activities raise funds to support research and education in communication sciences and disorders, through research grants to new and seasoned investigators, master’s and doctoral scholarships, and clinical achievement awards. To learn more, go to the ASHFoundation’s website. ASHFoundation at the Health Care/Business Institute Chris Moore—speech scientist, oenophile, and all-around wunderkind —returns to host a wine-tasting extravaganza at ASHA’s Health Care/Business Institute 2011 on April 9 in Bethesda, Md. Even if you can’t tell a malbec from Mountain Dew, you’ll enjoy the ASHFoundation’s special evening. You’ll sample half a dozen distinctive but affordable wines and learn what makes them special. It’s guaranteed to be a lively event—and you’ll come away better able to spot the bargains in the bins at your favorite wine store. Best of all, your participation benefits the scholarship and grant programs of the ASHFoundation. The $49 ticket includes transportation to and from the event from the institute location, light hors d’oeuvres, wines, and a donation to the ASHFoundation. To register, go to the conference’s website or call 888-498-6699. Author Notes ASHFoundation annual fund manager, can be reached at [email protected]. Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Additional Resources FiguresSourcesRelatedDetails Volume 16Issue 3March 2011 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library History Published in print: Mar 1, 2011 Metrics Downloaded 53 times Topicsleader_do_tagleader-topicsasha-article-typesCopyright & Permissions© 2011 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLoading ...

Effect of expertise and visual contribution on postural control in soccer

This work analyzes the postural performance and the use of visual information in soccer players according to their level of competition. Two groups of healthy soccer players were investigated at the mid-competition season: an amateur (AM) (n=15) group composed of regional-level players and a professional group at a national level (PRO) (n=15). Posture was assessed by measuring the center of foot pressure (COP) with a force platform during a test (51.2 s) of bipedal quiet standing posture. The test was completed with eyes open (the subjects looked at a fixed-level target at a distance of 2 m) and closed (they kept their gaze in a straight-ahead direction). The statistical analysis showed that PRO soccer players were more stable than AM soccer players. Moreover, the contribution of vision in postural maintenance was less important in the PRO players than in the AM players. The present study suggests that intense training allows PRO soccer players to become less dependent on vision to control their posture such that vision can be dedicated to treating the information, that emanates from the game.

스포츠 에이전트 인식과 역할 기대에 관한 연구

It executed a question investigation in the object, 245 pro-football players in high school and the university. It is the purpose of grasping the interrelation of Recognition against a sports agent, the role expectation and future contract yes or no characteristic and understanding the direction where the sports agent which is suitable in the domestic condition will advance and contributing in activation of domestic sports agent. In order to verify the construction which it sets from the research which sees the data which is collected with base, it used the SPSSWIN 10.0 statistical program and the Windows `98 LISREL 8.3 and the conclusion by course analysis follow that. First, the agent recognition of the high student appeared to have a good effect on players` public finance and the law problem(direct effect=0.55, T-}value{=6.04, }p{ .01) and the future contract yes or no characteristic (total effect =0.55, direct effect =0.45, indirect effect =0.10, T-}value{=4.44,}p{.01) and it appeared the public finance and the law problem give the positive effect on the future contract yes or no characteristic in the role expectation of agent. In case of the college lifestyle, the agent recognition is appeared to have the effect on the public finance and the law problem (direct effect =0.29, T-}value{=2.00,}p{.05). But it appeared with the fact that it does not affect to the player`s civil official and development. Agent recognition of the pro player appeared to have an useful effect on the public finance and the law problem (direct effect =0.39, T-}value{=2.56,}p{.05), the future contract yes or no characteristic (direct effect =0.88, T-}value{=5.92,}p{.01). But it appeared with the fact that it does not affect to the player`s civil official and development effect. With it appears from result of over, the role of the agent which the players recognize together does not consider that it is limited only in aspects of the public finance and the charge of future contract. The important fact is that we should not overlook the point that we will be able to contract under more good conditions when there is a possibility of raising a result by the personal oneself civil official and development.

Football: A Painful Legacy for Players?

Do the cheers, salaries, fame, and challenges of professional football make up for the injuries players often cope with long after their football careers are over? Though pro players must come to their own conclusions, high school athletes and their parents often look to their family physician for answers about whether this game is worth the risks.