Activity Ratings Chart

O – Both recreational and competitive baseball and softball teams are usually well organized and supervised. Playing baseball and softball provide a good cardiovascular workout. In addition, they help improve hand-eye coordination. Further, players develop skills in team play. Tee-ball is a team sport that is used as an introduction to baseball and softball, as the ball is hit from a stationary tee. It is popular among young children.

R – Overall, baseball and softball are relatively safe sports. Only 2%-8% of players report injuries. However, serious impact injuries, such as intracranial hemorrhage, can occur if there is contact from a ball or bat to the head, eye area or chest. Additionally, joint trauma can occur from sliding into bases or colliding with other players.12 The position you play can affect your joints. For example, joint overuse can occur due to pitching, and playing catcher presents additional risks of joint injury or trauma. The injury risk of tee-ball is similar, but is decreased since there is no pitching in this sport.

S – Use of “breakaway bases” instead of stationary bases minimizes injury risk from sliding. To maximize safety, players at bat should use certified helmets with ear flaps on both sides, and possibly face guards, a chin strap and eye protection. If you choose to play catcher, wear protective safety gear, including a helmet, facemask and padding. Play safely by choosing a positio

O – Basketball provides a good cardiovascular workout with a focus on agility. Intensity of play can vary. Players can choose to participate in casual games with limited physical contact or more intense, competitive games.

R– During competitive games, players are jumping, landing, pivoting, cutting, running forward and backward, changing directions and making physical contact with other players, all of which could lead to musculoskeletal injury. Sprained ankles and knee ligament tears can occur, and may be more serious in a player with a bleeding disorder.

S– Injury risk can be minimized by using eye protection, elbow and knee pads, mouth guards, athletic supporters (males) and proper footwear.

O – These are muscle-toning classes that often include core strengthening. Some have a cardiovascular component. A variety of exercises may be done using equipment, such as small handheld weights or resistance bands.
R – Minimal risk.
S – There are usually beginner to advanced level classes. Participants can work out at their own pace.

O – Diving may help improve flexibility, strength, balance and overall fitness.

R – Recreational diving injuries often result from diving into shallow water.

S – Safety tips to minimize risk include never diving into shallow water or water that isn’t clear enough for you to see obstacles. If you’re unsure, always jump in feet first. Also, only allow one person on a diving board at a time.

This is a test. Do not be alarmed!