This is an archive copy of a document originally located at  http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web/srv/srvsite.nsf/pages/research_injury_softball?OpenDocument all copyright remains with creator.

See other sports injury prevention fact sheets.

• In 1993 there were over 60,000 players formally registered with the Australian Softball Federation. In addition, it is estimated that a further 150,000 Australians participate in recreational softball annually.
• In Australia softball in predominantly played by women.

• Although softballers of all ages and levels of experience are injured, females aged 10 to 19 years are the most commonly injured group of softballers in Australia.
• Of those injuries to softballers, 43% child and 81% of adult cases occurred during formal play.

• Softball injuries to children are most often associated with falls, being hit by the ball, misjudging catches, being hit by the bat and over-exerting.
• Softball injuries to adults are most often associated with running between bases, particularly involving sliding to base and over-exerting while running between bases. Impact with standard stationary bases while sliding to base is the cause of serious hand, ankle and feet injuries.
• Other injuries to adults relate to catching the ball and being hit by the ball.
• Injuries to child softballers are predominantly to the fingers, and are mostly fractures and strains/sprains. Radius/ulna fractures and ankle strains/sprains are also common.
• Injuries to adult softballers are mostly strains/sprains to the ankle, knee or finger.

• Wear good quality, double ear helmets to protect the ear and temple region against ball impact.
• Wear energy absorbing chest padding when catching to distribute any blows from a softball impact over a broad area of the chest. Catchers should also wear a helmet with full face and throat protection.
• Wear mouthguards to prevent dental injuries.
• Youth players, aged less than 19, should wear shin and knee protection.

• Use breakaway/quick release bases instead of standard stationary bases to reduce the load impact generated should a player impact with the base. Standard bases are not designed to absorb the force of a sliding player and can cause serious injuries to the hands, ankles and feet upon impact.
• An American study has estimated that the use of break-away bases could represent a 96% reduction in the risk of injury involved with sliding.
• A ball impact, particularly to the head, is a severe and frequent cause of injury the use of softer balls is recommended.
• Pad fences, walls and posts to help prevent injury if players run in to them when attempting to catch the ball.

• Encourage children to play TeeBall as a means of developing good technique.
• Older children should participate in modified softball as promoted by Aussie Sport and the Australian Softball Federation.

• Use protective screening to protect players in dugouts and on benches.
• Ensure playing fields and facilities are well maintained.

• Ensure all injured softballers receive adequate treatment and full rehabilitation before resuming play.
• Ensure your coach is aware of all treatment and rehabilitation being undertaken for any injuries sustained.