Game on, safely: The reason why abdominal guards are important in sports

Do you enjoy playing sports? If so, are you using all the protective measures needed to be safe? If the answer is ‘no’, then you might putting your life in danger!

Recently, news reports about a young Pune boy sent shock waves across social media after it was found that he passed away due to a ball hitting his private parts. The incident occurred near Jagadguru International School on the evening of 6 May, where the 11-year-old was playing cricket with his friends.

This incident highlights the importance of using safety gears while playing sports outdoors. Protection from injuries is paramount whenever any physical activity is undertaken as they can be life-altering, take longer to heal and cause permanent damage.

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Mitigating risks in sports

Dr Tvisha Parikh, sports and exercise medicine physician at Sir HN Reliance Hospital Foundation says, “Certain sports like cricket are particularly dangerous as regards injury from an external object travelling at a high speed.

“When this ball is directed at the batsman, within split seconds, he has to make multiple decisions regarding how the ball will approach him and how to react, leaving him in a vulnerable position. Hence, the most vulnerable areas of the body need protection.”

She adds that abdominal guards are often noticeably skipped at lower levels of the tournament where they are not mandated.

“Abdominal guards are imperative in cricket as they serve as a critical barrier against potentially catastrophic injuries,” she asserts.

Injuries to certain body structures can be more dangerous , take longer to heal and cause permanent damage. (Source: Freepik)

From a medical standpoint, Dr R R Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, emphasises, ‘The abdomen houses vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys, all of which are susceptible to serious injury upon impact.”

Without proper protection, he says that a forceful blow from a cricket ball can lead to severe trauma. “This includes organ damage, fractures, and internal bleeding.”

Protection is paramount for every athlete

Male and female guards differ in design and function. They are available in various materials, sizes, and shapes. Dr Parikh adds, “In men, this protects important structures like the testes and scrotum. Injury to these structures is very painful and could potentially damage these structures requiring medical or surgical intervention.”

“Consider the force generated by a fast bowler delivering a cricket ball at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. A direct hit to the unprotected abdomen can exert immense pressure, causing significant harm that may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation,” he continues.

According to Dr Dutta, injuries of this nature not only endanger a player’s immediate health, but also have long-term repercussions, potentially affecting their quality of life and sporting career.

Prioritising safety in sports by choosing good quality protective gear

Dr Parikh emphasises the importance of choosing an appropriate guard for both men and women, as poor-quality ones may provide a false sense of security. Dr Dutta also highlights that by wearing abdominal guards, cricketers prioritise their safety and well-being, enabling them to focus on their performance without the fear of potential harm.

Dr Parikh stresses the importance of universal adoption of abdominal guards in all sports. “Regardless of the level of play, the risk of injury remains, particularly with inexperienced players and poorer reflexes at lower levels. Ensuring the use of abdominal guards in all sports is crucial to safeguarding players and minimising the risks associated with high-speed deliveries,” he recommends.

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