Playing sports is fun and it helps people keep in shape and relieve stress. However, if one is not careful, playing sports can result in injuries that keep Airmen on the sideline and out of work.
"The main cause of sports-related injuries is over aggressive play and people going beyond their comfort level and limits," said Tech. Sgt. Jason De Jesus, 56th Fighter Wing NCO in charge of mishap investigations. "Most people are not professional athletes or conditioned for the level they are trying to play at."
Being conditioned for any sports means ensuring you have the right equipment for the job.
"Wearing improper gear is an issue," De Jesus said. "For instance, people who are wearing running shoes to play basketball or not wearing cleats on the football field are not wearing the correct gear for their activity."
The sports that have the most injuries reported are running, football and basketball. Running injuries include tripping on sidewalks, untied shoes and gravel.
"Most people are jamming out to their music and not paying attention to the road," De Jesus said.
In football and basketball, most injuries are the result of overaggressive play.
"A lot of people feel they have to be the person that wins or get the ball," De Jesus said. "In football we're seeing people playing tackle-style football instead of flag football."
Sports injuries related to ground safety include broken backs, legs, arms, concussions, fractures, dislocations and sprains. Reports of off-base injuries using trampolines at places like Jump Street and Sky Zone are also common.
The consequences of injuries may be small, but they can affect the mission.
"Every day you miss work, the Air Force loses $120," De Jesus said. "Besides the dollar amount, the mission is affected on base because someone has to pick up the slack."
Age groups most susceptible to injuries are people in their late 30s to early 40s and those in the 18 to 22 age range.
"Those two groups make up the majority of our mishaps," De Jesus said. "Probably more so the young guys who push themselves further than the older guys who are just trying to keep up."
The truth is most of these injuries can be prevented.
"Using the proper protective gear and knowing the sport prevents most injuries," said Master Sgt. Percel Crudup, 56th Medical Operations Squadron surgical services flight chief. "Wearing shin guards, proper shoes that support the ankles, mouth guards and knowing your limits decreases your chance of getting hurt."