Is Archery the Safest Sport in the World? A Comparative Analysis of Sports
Archery is a centuries-old sport that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a relatively low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels. But is archery the safest sport in the world?
In short, the answer is yes. Archery has one of the lowest injury rates of any sport. In fact, it is safer than many everyday activities, such as walking and driving.
Is Archery Really the Safest Sport in the World?
Yes, archery is one of the safest sports in the world. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), archery had an injury rate of 0.57 injuries per 1,000 participants in 2017. This is significantly lower than the injury rates for many other popular sports, such as Softball (8.41 injuries per 1,000 participants), martial arts (4.91 injuries per 1,000 participants), and gymnastics (7.31 injuries per 1,000 participants).
Besides these, according to US Archery, the chances of injury for adults in archery is 11%, and for aged people, the chance is 24.5%. Whereas in Golf, the chance is 67.5% and 99%. If you take a look at the Tennis, the chance is 49.6% and 98.5%!
Hence, it can be said that archery is one of the safest sports in the world.
Why Archery is the Safest Sport in the World?
In a world filled with thrilling sports like football, rugby, and rock climbing, the idea of archery being the safest might raise a few eyebrows. However, when you dig deeper, you’ll find that archery offers a unique blend of attributes that make it incredibly safe:
1. Minimal Physical Contact
Unlike contact sports where collisions are part of the game, archery has minimal to no physical contact between participants. It’s just you, your bow, and your target. You won’t find yourself in a scrum or at the receiving end of a tackle.
2. Low Risk of Injuries
When it comes to sports, injuries are almost like an uninvited guest. However in archery, the risk of injuries is significantly lower compared to most other sports. The main concern revolves around repetitive stress injuries, and even those can be mitigated with proper technique and equipment.
3. Controlled Environment
Archery competitions are held in a controlled environment. You won’t have to worry about weather conditions affecting your game. The shooting range provides a safe and consistent backdrop for your archery endeavors.
4. Precise Rules and Regulations
Archery is governed by strict rules and regulations that ensure safety. Participants are required to follow these guidelines to maintain a secure and orderly environment.
5. Minimal Equipment Risks
In archery, your equipment is your ally, not your enemy. Unlike sports where you might get hurt due to equipment failures, archery gear is designed for precision and safety. Regular maintenance and checks ensure that your gear remains in top-notch condition.
Safety Record of Archery
Archery has a long and impressive safety record. In fact, there has never been a recorded fatality at an official archery event. According to the Data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, USA Archery made a calculation on 2017 sports participation and injury rate and determined the following result.
Not only this, but if you take a look at the insurance safety ratings, you will find that Archery has the lowest rating among the other games which is, on average 4.4, whereas football has 54.4, Basketball has 32.6, Golf has 28.3, and so on.
Here, you can see that, compared to other games, Archery has a relatively lower number of injuries, and now, you tell me, which sport is considered the safest in the sports universe?
Conclusion
Archery is a safe and enjoyable sport for people of all ages and skill levels. It is a great way to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, and increase your self-confidence. If you are looking for a safe and rewarding sport to try, archery is a great option.
