The effect of emotional factors on football injury rates--a pilot study.

The Life Event Scale for Adolescents (LES A) was used to gather data regarding the events that had occurred during the previous year from 114 high school football players. Injuries during the season were classified according to the National Athletic Injury/Illness Reporting System (NAIRS). The findings indicated that players who experienced more family instability, particularly those who experienced parental illnesses, separations, divorces and deaths, were more likely to sustain a significant injury. It is postulated that a player's mental or emotional state may increase his risk of injury.