I had a neighbor who was a world champion trick biker. He's around 60 now, but he'd be in our cul-de-sac doing tricks at 50+. He has a company that books that kind of talent for halftime shows and such now.
On competition, less sometimes means more intense. Only the people who are really good get involved.
Expense is one reason Association Football (soccer, based on Oxford slang shortening) is popular. Same with Rugby. Lots of optional equipment, but not too much required. Soccer is more dangerous than most parents understand. Often it is chosen by moms who think it is safer. I'm surprised that youth soccer doesn't require a helmet of some sort. We didn't let our kids play organized soccer. It is rather cultish in places we have lived. They want kids playing only soccer (year 'round) and shame kids who deign to play other sports.