Estimation of injury simulation in international women's football

This study attempted to determine the frequency of apparent injury incidents in women's international football and estimate what proportion was authentic. Broadcast recordings of 47 games from 2 tournaments were reviewed to identify incidents in which a player behaved as if injured. Apparent injuries were considered definite if a player withdrew from participation within 5 minutes or if bleeding was visible. Remaining incidents were considered questionable. A total of 270 apparent injuries were observed at a rate of 5.74/game compared with 11.26/game previously reported in men's football. The definite injury rate was only 0.78/game vs. 4.96/game for questionable injuries. Definite injuries were associated with on-field treatment (P < 0.010), stretcher (P < 0.010), and second half (P = 0.022), while questionable injuries were associated with fouls (P = 0.036), contact (P < 0.010), and being tackled (P = 0.025). Questionable injuries were not associated with the final third of a half or with team success.