• Individuals engaging in various sports--including baseball, softball, soccer, football and golf--wear metal cleats. Metal cleats are sports shoes that have a series of metal spikes affixed to their soles. The spikes improve traction and grip on grassy, muddy and wet playing surfaces.They are also sharp and can cause damage to players and fields. High school, college and professional athletes wear metal cleats. Youth sport leagues ban metal cleats because of the risks they pose.
  
  

Spiking

• Spiking occurs when the spikes on the metal cleats encounter another player's skin. The metal spikes can puncture skin and eyes. In baseball or softball, spiking usually occurs when players slide into a base and their cleats make contact with a fielder. In football, spiking can happen when one player tackles or runs over another player. Soccer players may inadvertently spike another player while striking the ball or attempting a sliding tackle. Spiking can result in minor injuries, such as cuts and skin tears. Serious injuries, such as lacerations requiring stitches, can occur. Serious skin gouges can happen. With serious gouges, there may not be enough skin left for stitches.
  
  

Foot, Ankle and Leg Injuries

• Players wearing metal cleats run the risk of foot, ankle and leg injuries. The metal spikes on the cleats can catch on turf, bases and the clothing of other players. Because the metal spikes dig in to the ground, it becomes difficult for players to pop up out of slides. When they do, the foot may become stuck in one position while the momentum of the slide takes their body in another direction. This torsion can lead to sprained ankles, torn ligaments and torn tendons. It can also lead to knee injuries and broken bones in the foot, ankle or leg.
  
  

Surface Damage

• The spikes on metal cleats cause damage to playing and walking surfaces. The spikes cut into grassy areas, and the movement of the player's foot kicks up clumps of sod. This poses a tripping risk to everyone on the field. The damage to the field also causes the soil to compact. If the field does not undergo proper maintenance, the compacted soil will eventually provide a dangerously hard surface for players. The spikes on metal cleats puncture and slice through artificial turf fields. This presents a tripping hazard. Artificial turf fields are expensive to replace. The slicing action of the spikes on metal cleats also damages asphalt, benches, concrete, locker room carpeting, stairs and any other surface they contact.