The word “sports” has a very general meaning to it. In our modern society we typically associate it with participation in organized sports like basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and the like. While some fans only watch sports on TV, others actually visit venues or stadiums where they pay to see them in person. These fans are commonly known as spectators. Individuals engage in all types of outdoor sports, including: bicycling, skiing, canoeing, skydiving, motorcycling, mountain biking, skateboarding, mountain climbing, beach volleyball, and even snorkeling.

Youth involvement in athletics has been on the rise. Youth have the same exposure as adults do to various sports but sometimes have more difficulties adapting to the different physical demands placed on their bodies. Young people also experience greater levels of stress from school or home activities that can lead to sports injuries and heat exhaustion. Young people who engage in intense physical activities like football, basketball and soccer have higher rates of injury and illness than other youth because of the impact of the contact they have with other players.

High school football is a physical activity that involves kicking a ball around. High school football players are often required to play a game called “ground and pound”. This game is designed to give high school football players a physical workout without much contact with the ball. Unlike professional sports, high school football games do not require players to wear protective equipment such as helmets and padding. Though football can be a great way to earn extra credits, these credit hours do not translate into future job opportunities or extra income.