Concussions can happen in any sport—but some activities carry a much higher risk than others. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or a coach, understanding which sports present the greatest danger is a vital step in prevention and early care.
At Concussion Hotline, we believe education is just as important as treatment. This guide outlines the latest evidence on concussion rates across popular sports, why certain athletes are more vulnerable, and what you can do to reduce the risk.
Top Sports by Concussion Rate (Per 1,000 Athlete Exposures)
| Rank | Sport | Concussions / 1,000 AE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) | 147.00 |
| 2 | Australian Rules Football | 9.53 |
| 3 | Rugby (Elite) | 9.05 |
| 4 | American Football (High School) | 5.01 |
| 5 | Women’s Ice Hockey | 2.27 |
| 6 | Men’s Ice Hockey | 1.63 |
| 7 | Women’s Soccer | 1.40 |
| 8 | Men’s Soccer | 0.83 |
What does this mean? An “athlete exposure” refers to one athlete participating in one game or match. So, a rate of 9.53 in Aussie Rules Football means nearly 1 in every 100 player-games results in a concussion.
Understanding the Numbers
🥋 1. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
With 147 concussions per 1,000 exposures, MMA has the highest reported rate. Strikes to the head are a core part of the sport, placing fighters at significant risk for brain trauma.
🏉 2. Australian Rules Football
Australia’s own national game is one of the most concussion-prone team sports globally. With hard tackles, fast play, and frequent head contact, concussion risk is a growing concern—especially at amateur levels where reporting may be inconsistent.
🏉 3. Rugby (Elite)
Elite-level rugby, particularly in high-impact competitions like the English Premiership, reports nearly as many concussions as Aussie Rules. The contact-heavy nature of the sport and limited protective gear make head injuries a major focus for player welfare.
🏈 4. American Football (High School)
In U.S. high school football, the risk is substantial, particularly during games. Linemen and defensive players face the highest exposure due to repetitive head impacts at the line of scrimmage.
🏒 5 & 6. Ice Hockey
Women’s hockey reports slightly higher concussion rates than men’s, despite having less body checking. This may be due to differences in neck strength, reporting habits, or other biomechanical factors.
⚽ 7 & 8. Soccer (Football)
Soccer may appear low-contact, but heading the ball, collisions, and falls still present real danger. Female players, in particular, experience more concussions—potentially due to physiological and hormonal differences.
Why Are Female Athletes at Higher Risk?
Research consistently shows that in sports played by both sexes, female athletes sustain more concussions. Reasons may include:
- Lower average neck strength and head mass ratio
- Hormonal influences on brain recovery
- Potential underreporting among male athletes
This makes baseline testing and tailored return-to-play protocols essential, especially for female and youth athletes.
Unexpectedly High-Risk Sports
Not all concussions come from contact sports. Some of the biggest risks come from unexpected places:
- Cheerleading: Falls during stunts make cheerleading a top cause of concussion-related ER visits.
- Horseback Riding: High-speed falls from height carry serious TBI risk.
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Pediatric concussion rates are rising in snow sports, often from falls or equipment collisions.
Even in non-contact sports, concussions are possible—and often overlooked. That’s why every sport should have clear sideline protocols and access to professional support.
How to Reduce the Risk
✔ Educate Your Team
Athletes and coaches should know how to recognise, report, and respond to symptoms. Concussion Hotline offers downloadable tools and training resources to help.
✔ Use Baseline Testing
Having a pre-season baseline allows healthcare providers to make better decisions about recovery timelines.
✔ Adopt Evidence-Based Protocols
Remove-from-play, gradual return-to-learn, and stepwise return-to-sport protocols must be followed strictly. Our clinicians are here to help guide this process.
✔ Equip Your School or Club
Our concussion tracking platform makes it easy for schools and sporting organisations to manage athlete safety in real time—no paperwork, no guesswork.
Final Thoughts
Concussions aren’t just a sports issue—they’re a brain health issue. By knowing which sports carry the highest risk and how to respond, you can protect athletes and support safe, long-term participation in the activities they love.
If you or your child plays a high-risk sport, or you’re involved in athlete care, we encourage you to book a baseline test or speak with our team. At Concussion Hotline, we’re here to help you make informed decisions—and act fast when it matters most.
Know the signs. Trust the science. Call when it counts.