PURPOSE: There is interest in mandating certain types of protective equipment in youth sport, provided such equipment is effective. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of modified balls and faceguards in preventing injury in youth baseball.
METHODS: 3-year cohort study, using insurance data on compensated injury claims. Participants were U.S. youth ages 5-18 years in Little League Baseball, 1997-1999. The outcome measure was the injury claim rate ratio for users of modified balls and faceguards, relative to non-users, adjusted for level of competition.
RESULTS: The rate of ball-related injury was lower for users of modified balls, with an adjusted rate ratio (RR) of 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65, 0.91. The reduced impact ball was effective in preventing injury (adjusted RR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.57, 0.89) but other modified balls were not. Use of faceguards prevented facial injury (adjusted RR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.44, 0.97) with both metal and plastic guards being equally effective. Modified balls were most effective in Tee-Ball (5-8 years) and Minor (7-12 years) divisions, while faceguards had the greatest effect in the Regular division (9-12 years). The absolute incidence of compensated injury claims, per 100,000 player-years, was 28.02 (95%CI: 26.76, 29.29) for ball-related injury and 2.71 (95%CI: 2.32, 3.11) for facial injury.
CONCLUSIONS: Reduced impact balls and faceguards do prevent injuries in youth baseball, and effectiveness varies by level of competition. We support increased usage of these items, however, it should be noted that the absolute incidence of injury in youth baseball appears to be low.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be be more informed about the value of safety equipment in youth baseball
Keywords: Epidemiology, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Worth Inc
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.