Approximately 187,000 emergency room visits occur each year due to injuries sustained by youth football players between the ages of 5-14 years, or about 28% of the 5.5 million children participating in youth football each year in the US. A recent study conducted by the University of Northern Iowa involving 779 youth in grades 4-8 was conducted to determine to what extent these injuries resulted in time los t (TL) or non-time lost (NTL). Of the 36.5% of the study participants reporting an injury, several interesting points were found:

- 14.4% reported more than one injury occurring in the same season.
- The rate of injury increased as the grade progressed.
- 58.6% of the overall injuries were classified as NTL.

As a result of this study, the researchers recommend that a first-aid-certified coach or other league official be present at all youth football games and practices.