On-Field Physician Assessment of High School Football Injuries

In brief: This study analyzed junior and senior high school football injuries with on-the-field evaluation and data collection by physicians. More injuries occurred during varsity than freshman games, and contusions, sprains, strains, and other orthopedic injuries to the extremities were the most common. There was only one concussion in 31 games. This low incidence may be due to more effective football helmets. More injuries occurred on rainy days and muddy fields in this study, which contrasts with previous reports. The authors conclude that the average of one significant injury every five games suggests the need for continued medical coverage at football games.