Kontaktsport

Kontaktsport refers to a family of sports in which players regularly engage in direct physical contact as part of normal play. The contact may involve tackles, blocks, holds, grappling, collisions, or body checks with opponents or with the ball or puck. The amount and severity of contact vary by sport and by level of play. In some disciplines contact is tightly regulated and limited to legal techniques, while in others, particularly collision or full-contact sports, high-impact contact is a central aspect of competition. Safety rules and equipment aim to reduce injury risk.

Common examples include association football (soccer), rugby union and rugby league, American football, ice hockey, field hockey, and basketball. Combat sports such as boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts are also considered contact or combat sports, depending on classification, because they rely on direct physical engagement. Some sports are mixed: they combine skills with body contact, and officiating emphasizes fair play and technique to minimize danger. In contrast, non-contact sports such as tennis, swimming, or running emphasize individual skill without intentional physical contact.

Participation safety is governed by national and international bodies that set rules, equipment standards, and conduct guidelines. Protective gear (e.g., helmets, pads), proper technique coaching, and medical protocols for injury assessment, including concussion management, are increasingly emphasized to mitigate risk.