Sport injury studies have shown that time-off calculations through sport injuries is no laughing matter and statistically, has an effect on GNP and national fiscal outcomes that in real time is a function of the national politic.
The studies I have looked at - have been specific to hospital statistics - whereby who and when was bought into the emergency wards or hospital entrance records whereby there is a clear and unequivocal statistical statements.
These reflect the sorts of series sporting injuries that may nor may not require hospitalisation for more than one night and likewise for surgical issues.
Australian Rules Football, Soccer and Cycling are the top three statistically with netball not far behind. Sports like filed hockey, gold and gymnastics are way down the list.
The 'place of injury' has all manner of outdoor sports as having the highest statistical injury, but there are surprisingly high statistics for other 'places' such as, wait for it, 'car parks', and sports associated with being on the water or the beach.
Non-hospitalised
Not surprisingly there are two other sets of statistics, not held by such formal sport records which need our attention.
There are innumerable injuries when mucking around the back yard (as it were) playing some kind of sport, even catching a Frisbee (at home or the beach) or cutting your hand on glass after the ball broke the window pane.
There are literally thousands upon thousands of such sport-associated injuries that never required a hospital visit but may have required an appointment to the doctor or the local medical centre where the on-site nurse gave aid.
In the same manner as those thousands of people who need a bit of help from voluntary associations such as St John's Ambulance who offer first aid and such - like on site help, participant or spectator.
Another group entirely - when engaged in competitive sport and an injury occurs but it's not much more than a sprained angle, a bump of the head, the heavy thump on the body, a nasty leg bruise ... whatever!
None of these require a visit to the hospital. They are part and parcel of playing sport and everyone realises this is one of the every-day consequences of being part of the team. Moreover this is team 'stuff'. This has an element of ferocious commitment and non-negotiable in getting back on the pitch (as it were).
The worst thing is being called a woos .... typically - "come on Bill / Jenny, get over it ..." At the same time - the injury might well require a day or two off work.
Serious considerations
When these statistics start being accumulated they become a worrying factor in terms of national economic loss.
The New Testament is not unaware of 'work place' injuries and worse. Professional sporty is indeed 'a work place'. Jesus in Luke was referred too a tower that fell down and killing people. Jesus held the view, as to many Australians 2000 year later, that it's life, things happen, but look at all the good stuff around you in reference to the Glory of God.
Next sport injury - I'll continue to be on good terms with the Lord.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html