Which sports are NOT considered contact sports in South Carolina for 7th and 8th graders?

In the context of sports classification, particularly for 7th and 8th graders in South Carolina, baseball/softball and swimming are not categorized as contact sports. This distinction is important because contact sports typically involve a significant degree of physical contact between players, which can increase the risk of injury.

Baseball and softball primarily involve non-contact play, where the focus is on skills such as batting, pitching, and base running rather than physical interactions between opposing players. Swimming, on the other hand, is a non-contact sport that takes place in water, where individuals compete against each other without direct physical contact.

In contrast, the other options include sports that are recognized for their potential for physical contact. Football and wrestling involve direct physical confrontations, while soccer, lacrosse, and basketball also include elements of contact due to the nature of the play and the proximity of players to one another. Understanding these classifications helps coaches and players be aware of the rules, safety measures, and training approaches necessary for each sport.