No matter which sport you are involved in, or plan to get involved in, and no matter what level of competition from professional to elementary level, the right sports equipment is necesary in order to ensure you remain injury free, and will perform at your best levels. The right sports equipment is necessary for all players to be sure that they do not get injured on the field, and in some instances, for them to be able to play the game at all. Especially with younger children (and leagues), if they do not buy the proper equipment, many coaches and leagues, will not allow the children to play in a game.
Especially in high contact sports, such as football, rugby, or soccer, where it is likely that you will get hit, and hit hard, the right equipment is the only way to protect you from injuries. And, even though it is still possible to get injured, due to the nature and contact of these sports, players are in a much safer position when they purchase the right gear. In football, the right padding over the body, and helmets to keep the neck and head safe are essential. The right cleats are also required in order to play on the field. And for soccer or rugby, shin guards are the only way to protect a player from a career ending injury on the field.
Also, in sports with less contact compared to those listed, the right gear is required to keep safe. The right shoes, mouth pieces, head guards, or whatever other equipment is designed for a certain sport, is used for a reason. If a player didn’t get injured in the past, these safety precautions, and proper equipment would not be sold. So, for the safest way to play the game, the right equipment is vital.