The National Athletic Injury/Illness Reporting System (NAIRS) was established to serve as a system for continuous collection and interpretation of information on injuries and illnesses incurred by participants in sports. A description is given in this report of the genesis of NAIRS, its significance for athletic directors in conducting safe sports activities, and its methods of collecting and interpreting data. While NAIRS deals with many sports, this report presents data on and analyses of football injuries. Results of studies on the incidence, cause, and effect of football injuries are discussed. Statistics are reported on the kinds and severity of reported injuries sustained while using different makes and types of football helmets, and natural or artificial athletic field surfaces. (JD)