Two entities that compile injury statistics for the roughly 380,000 male and female college athletes. The NCAA and the National Athletic Trainers' Association have an injury surveillance system that collects injury reports submitted by trainers. It has been in operation since 1988.

Although many factors help determine outcomes in sports, coaches have a direct influence on players, their attitudes and athletic performance. Athletes perceive and interpret their athletic experience based on the leadership they receive, as well as their ability to perform well.

Sports help teenagers live a more active life -- thus reducing their risk of obesity, diabetes and other serious health complications – and athletics affect teens mentally, socially and psychologically.

There's no doubt that playing sports can potentially benefit your health. Some of the benefits are more obvious, but you may be surprised to find out that you can benefit not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Outside appearance may be the most obvious difference between an athlete and nonathlete. Athletic types tend to have more muscles and less body fat than more sedentary people.

If you have not been recruited or given a college cheerleading scholarship, many colleges still offer tryouts for their squads. Tryouts for college cheerleading squads usually occur in May for the following academic year.

People of all ages perform bodybuilding exercises for the increased strength, health and physically fit appearance they produce. These heavy-resistance exercises place a large amount stress on the body, which reacts in different ways at different ages.

Scandals involving steroid use by sports figures are frequent--athletes appear willing to risk their health, employment, and freedom to gain an “edge” on the competition. Such risk is not surprising given the large financial rewards often involved.

Participation in youth sports has grown for boys and girls. Sports provide benefits of exercise and companionship with teammates.

Playing organized sports can be one of the best experiences for any young person with an interest in sports. A player can improve his skills, make friends and learn how to be part of a team. But the experience is not always beneficial.

Sports hernia, sometimes referred to as Gilmore's groin, is a common injury that primarily occurs in collegiate- and professional-level athletes. Sports hernia, unlike the traditional inguinal hernia, does not create a hole in the abdominal wall.

At any level of organized sport, it’s critical that team members create a bond and work toward one goal. The way an individual interacts with another player can influence and impact a team’s performance and overall success.