Facts and figures about sport, participation and injuries in Australia:
Facts, figures and data into the most common sporting injuries and sports codes in Australia.
Top ten most commonly injured body parts during sport
| 1. Hand, includes fingers | 6. Face, excludes eye |
| 2. Ankle | 7. Foot, includes toes |
| 3. Wrist | 8. Head, excludes face |
| 4. Knee | 9. Forearm |
| 5. Shoulder | 10. Elbow |
Source: Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, Monash University Accident Research Centre
Did you know?
Injuries to the lower body are more than twice as frequent as those to the upper body (31%)
An injury sustained in the previous sporting season increases the risk of further injury by 45%
Top ten most common injuries during sport
| 1. Sprain or strain | |
| 2. Fracture, excludes tooth | |
| 3. Open wound, excludes eye | |
| 4. Injury to muscle or tendon | |
| 5. Superficial, excludes eye |
| 6. Dislocation |
| 7. Intracranial injury |
| 8. Eye injury |
| 9. Crushing injury |
| 10. Foreign body |
Did you know?
One in 17 Australians suffer a sporting injury each year
Sports injury rates are lower among females
Top ten most injury prone sports
| 1. Australian football |
| 2. Basketball |
| 3. Soccer |
| 4. Netball |
| 5. Cricket |
(hospital emergency department presentations
– non-admissions, Victoria, 2004-2006)
| 6. Bike/cyclist/ BMX |
| 7. Hockey |
| 8. Motor/trail/mini/bike |
| 9. Rugby |
| 10. Tennis |
Did you know?
It is estimated that up to 50% of all sporting injuries in Australia are preventable
Top ten most popular sports and activities (age 15+)
| 1. Walking |
| 2. Aerobics |
| 3. Swimming |
| 4. Cycle |
| 5. Golf |
| 6. Tennis |
| 7. Running |
| 8. Soccer |
| 9. Bush walking |
| 10. Netball |
Further reading:
- Preventing Basketball Injuries – Facts and Safety Tips
- Don’t Let Netball Injuries Obstruct You
- Preventing Australian Football Injuries – Facts and Safety Tips
- Preventing Soccer (Football) Injuries – Facts and Safety Tips
- A Guide To Injury Management
- Weight Training Through Injury
Top ten most popular sports and activities (5-14 years)
| 1. Swimming |
| 2. Soccer |
| 3. Netball |
| 4. Australian football |
| 5. Tennis |
| 6. Basketball |
| 7. Cricket |
| 8. Martial arts |
| 9. Rugby league |
| 10. Gymnastics/ trampolining |
Further reading:
- Safer Sport With New Children Guidelines
- Modified sports the safer option for kids
- Drink Up and Avoid Dehydration!
- The Importance of Mouthguards
- Implementing an Effective Extreme Heat Policy
- Helping Kids Play Safer
For more advice on keeping junior sport and recreation safe for children and young people download Smartplay’s Safety Guidelines for Children and Young People in Sport and Recreation at Sports Medicine Australia.
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