A variety of infectious diseases can be transmitted during competitive sports. Modes of transmission in athletic settings include person-to-person contact, common-source exposures and airborne/droplet spread. This paper reviews the most commonly reported infectious diseases among athletes and discusses the potential for transmission of bloodborne diseases in sports. Guidelines are provided regarding measures to prevent transmission of infectious diseases in athletic settings, including hygiene and infection control practices, vaccination, and education of officials, coaches, trainers and sports participants.