Position Statement

Use of Breakaway Bases in Preventing Recreational Baseball and Softball Injuries

This Position Statement was developed as an educational tool based on the opinion of the authors. It is not a product of a systematic review. Readers are encouraged to consider the information presented and reach their own conclusions.

Softball and baseball are our nation's leading recreational sports. More than 33 million Americans playing organized baseball and softball, with nearly 6 million of these players being from 5 to 14 years old. It is not surprising, therefore, that softball and baseball account for a large number of sports injuries, with softball players being the most frequently hurt. Since many of these injuries are serious enough to require emergency room treatment, the cost for medical care was estimated at more than $663 million in 2002. This estimate does not include the hidden costs of lost work time, lower work productivity, restriction of future athletic activity, medical-legal services, permanent impairment and escalating insurance premiums for the injured player, his or her employer, the field owner and the softball or baseball league.

Many injuries occur while sliding into bases. Installing breakaway bases on all playing fields could significantly lower these mishaps and their resulting costs. A study conducted at the University of Michigan found that using breakaway bases in recreational softball games reduced sliding injuries by 98 percent and associated medical care costs by 99 percent. The federal government has recommended the installation of breakaway bases on playing fields at all military installations and federal prisons. A traditional stationary base bolted to a metal post and sunk into the ground becomes a rigid obstacle for an athlete to encounter while sliding. In contrast, a breakaway base is snapped onto grommets attached to an anchored rubber mat, which holds it in place during normal play. Although a sliding runner can dislodge it, the breakaway base is stable and will not detach during normal base running.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) believes the deployment of breakaway bases at all levels of baseball and softball could dramatically reduce injuries to athletes and therefore reduce health care costs. The AAOS recommends that breakaway bases be installed on all playing fields and further recommends that physicians involved with sports activities around the country actively promote the use of breakaway bases in their local community.

AAOS also recommends the following tips for those individuals sliding into, as well as protecting the bases while playing baseball and softball:

• Players under age 10 should not be taught to slide.
• Proper instruction in sliding technique must be taught and practiced before using any bag, including the breakaway bases.  Practice should first be with a sliding bag.
• The "obstruction" rule must be taught and observed.  Getting in the way of the runner or blocking the base without possession of the ball is dangerous to both the runner and fielder.
• When coming into home plate, it is important that the runner attempt to slide to avoid a collision. 
• To prevent ankle and foot injuries between the runner and fielder at first base, a "double bag" – a separate bag for both the runner and first baseman – should be used.

© May 1997. Revised June 2005 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons^®.

Position Statement 1140

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