Face guards help prevent injury to the batter's face. Approximately 59,400 facial injuries associated with baseball were reported in 1995 occurring with children ages 5-14. Chest protectors for batters help protect the heart from a ball impact injury. Ball impact to the chest was the most frequently reported cause of baseball-related death in children. 1998 Globe Newspaper Company Mouth guards help to protect the teeth, mouth, cheeks, and tongue from blows that could cause concussions or jaw fractures.
Athletic supporters help to protect male players who participate in contact and collision sports.
At least 18 children died and 60 children were injured by moveable soccer goals during the past 15 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 6 not participate in team sports because they are unable to understand the concept of teamwork. Sports are the number one cause of eye injuries in school-age children. Approximately one-third of all female athletes suffer from an eating disorder. Forty thousand knee injuries due to sports participation are reported each year in the United States.