Rate of Injury Among Youth Lacrosse Players

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the rate of injury and the types and mechanisms of injuries incurred by girls and boys during youth recreational lacrosse. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Games were played at a large turf community athletic complex. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included male and female lacrosse players aged 9-15 years. A total of 143 games were played, resulting in 4603 athlete-exposures (AEs). ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: 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). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Certified athletic trainers collected data on type of injury and injury mechanism. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.