Every year, millions of Australians lace up their shoes, put on their helmets, or hit the field to take part in sport and physical activity. In fact, nearly 85% of Australians aged 15 and over were active at least once in 2023–24, and almost half took part at least three times a week.
The benefits are clear better physical health, stronger mental wellbeing, and the social connections that sport brings. But there’s another side to the story: injury.
According to the latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 19% of participants experienced an injury while playing sport or exercising in 2023-24. For 62,100 Australians, those injuries were serious enough to require hospital admission.
Which sports cause the most hospitalisations?
The AIHW report shows that while injuries can happen in any activity, some sports account for higher hospital admission rates. Leading categories include:
- Basketball – known for ankle sprains, fractures, and knee ligament injuries.
- Cycling – often linked to fractures, head injuries, and collisions.
- Equestrian activities – falls from height can cause significant trauma.
- Football codes (AFL, rugby, league) – high contact leads to concussions, dislocations, and ligament tears.
- Ice and snow sports – wrist fractures, shoulder dislocations, and head injuries.
- Netball – ankle and knee injuries are common.
- Roller sports – fractures and abrasions from falls.
- Soccer – hamstring strains, ankle injuries, and knee ligament damage.
- Wheeled motor sports – high-speed crashes can cause severe trauma.
The 10-year trend
Over the past decade, the rate of sports injuries leading to hospitalisation has shown fluctuations across different sports. Changes in participation patterns, improved safety measures, and better protective equipment all play a role. However, contact sports and activities involving high speeds or heights remain consistently overrepresented in the statistics.
What these numbers don’t capture
It’s important to note that this report only includes hospital admissions. Injuries treated in emergency departments, GP clinics, or by physiotherapists aren’t counted. Many Australians recover from sprains, strains, and minor fractures without being admitted to hospital. The AIHW estimates that less than 3% of organised sport injuries in adults result in a hospital stay meaning hospitalisation data reflects the more severe end of the injury spectrum.
Prevention matters
While some injuries are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing the right protective gear for your sport.
- Warming up and cooling down properly.
- Following safe playing techniques.
- Listening to your body and avoiding overtraining.
- Seeking prompt treatment for any pain or suspected injury.
When urgent care is needed
Sometimes, despite all precautions, an injury requires immediate expert attention. Severe pain, swelling, deformity, loss of function, or signs of concussion should never be ignored.
At Care 24-7, we’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays. A senior emergency doctor will see you first, ensuring you receive the highest level of specialist care without delay.
Whether it’s a broken bone from a football tackle or a wrist fracture from a cycling fall, our team works closely with hospital specialists to get you the treatment you need and guide you through recovery.