Sports

Three rules revisions were made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee regarding the pitcher-batter relationship at its annual meeting June 9-11 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Beginning next season, boys lacrosse players must wear gloves that cover the palms. Gloves that have the palms cut out or were manufactured without palms will not be legal.

Participation in high school sports during the 2007-08 school year set an all-time high, with boys and girls participation figures also setting all-time highs.

Some specific rules for fast-pitch softball vary by age, skill level and organization, but here are the basic rules.

Basic equipment and gear for softball includes the ball, glove, bat, helmet, catcher's equipment, sliding shorts and sliders

Youth gymnasts are developing a wide variety of unusual arm, wrist and hand injuries from overuse, according to a study presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

While skin infections, including MRSA, are reported most often in sports with frequent physical contact, skin contact or activities that may lead to the spread of MRSA skin infections may take place before or after participation in a sport with little physical contact.  Therefore, anyone participating in organized or recreational sports should be aware of the signs of possible skin infections and follow prevention measures.