How dangerous are some high school sports?

Just to ease my mom's worries (and mine a bit), what are considered the top 5 most dangerous high school sports? And by dangerous, I mean prone to serious injury. I love sports but I also don't want to get seriously hurt.

The risk of serious injury can vary across different sports; factors include the physical intensity of the sport, the environment in which it's played, and the type of safety equipment used. According to multiple studies, the following high school sports have comparatively higher rates of serious injuries:

1. American Football: This is often cited as the sport with the highest injury rate, partly due to its physical and collision-heavy nature. Concussions, knee injuries, and heat-related illnesses are common.

2. Ice Hockey: Similar to football but on ice, hockey includes a lot of physical contact and players moving at high speeds. Common injuries include concussions, cuts, and fractures.

3. Lacrosse: This is another contact sport, and it carries a high risk for head and face injuries due to the speed of both the players and the small rubber ball used.

4. Wrestling: The one-on-one nature of this sport can lead to quite a few injuries, including sprains, strains, and even more significant injuries like dislocations and fractures.

5. Skiing/Snowboarding: While they might not be traditional high school sports, these winter activities can be just as dangerous, if not more so, due to the high speeds and challenging terrain.

Bear in mind, that injuries can occur in any sport - but being aware of the risks and practicing good safety habits (like wearing proper protective gear, following coaches' instructions, etc.) can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious harm. It's also important to remember the value of participation in sports - physical fitness, building teamwork and leadership skills, and so on - despite these risks. So, take precautions and enjoy your game!