Soccer is a great way for kids to be part of a team and stay physically active. But soccer is a contact sport and, therefore, injuries can occur. Doctors and scientists are studying how repeatedly hitting the head during blocking and tackling affects the brain. These injuries can cause serious brain problems later in life. Recent changes in training rules and techniques may help reduce the risk of brain injury.
As a family, you should examine the pros and cons of playing soccer. If your child plays soccer, follow these tips to help prevent possible injuries.
Safe soccer equipment
Soccer equipment, which can reduce the risk of possible injury, includes the following items:
Helmet
All soccer helmets should have a hard plastic outer shell and a thick layer of padded padding. Helmets must meet the safety requirements developed by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Your child’s coach or an experienced professional working in a sporting goods store can ensure that your child’s helmet meets these criteria and is the right size.
Helmets should also have a rigid face mask made of carbon steel liner. The face mask should be securely fastened to the helmet. There are different types of face masks that are worn in different positions and for different purposes. Ask your child’s trainer which one is recommended for your child.
Finally, all helmets have a strap or girth and are fitted with a chin guard. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly around the chin whenever your child plays soccer.
Pants with padded leg pads.
Players should have padding in the hips, thighs, knees and tailbone. Some soccer pants include padding that either snaps into place or is tucked into the pants pockets. Other pants are shells that sit on top of the padding.
Shoulder pads.
Shoulder pads for soccer should have a hard plastic shell with thick padding.
Footwear.
Each league has its own rules about the type of footwear and cleats (non-removable or removable) that soccer players can wear. Talk to your child’s coach and check with your league’s recommendations on what type of footwear is allowed.
Mouth guard.
All soccer leagues require players to wear mouthguards. Make sure your child has a latch that attaches securely to the face mask.
Athletic jock strap with cup.
The cup (a genital and lower belly protector) helps male athletes avoid testicular injuries.
Additional equipment. Other items you may want to include in your son’s equipment include the following:
1.
- padded neck rolls
- forearm protectors
- padded or unpadded gloves
- “body armor” to protect the rib cage and abdomen.
- If your child needs to wear glasses while playing, make sure their glasses are shatterproof glass or plastic.
Safe soccer training
Make sure your child’s team has a coach who emphasizes safe play and fair play, both in games and in practice. The coach (and, if possible, the assistant coach) should be present at all practices and games and:
- Limit the amount of contact during practices.
- Insist that players follow current safety rules on tackling.
- Do not allow helmet to helmet or helmet to other body parts contact.
- Insist that all players wear proper safety equipment, especially a helmet that fits and is in good condition.
To prevent possible injuries while playing soccer, players should:
- Get a sports-medical checkup before starting to play the sport.
- Always warm up and stretch before training or starting a game.
- Learn and use proper techniques, especially about how to make tackles and how to absorb a tackle and fall to the ground safely.
- Stop training if they are injured or in pain. In such a case, they should be evaluated by a coach, trainer, monitor, doctor or nurse before returning to the field of play.
- Stay well hydrated, especially on hot, sunny days, by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after games and training sessions.
- Know the team’s plan in case of emergency.
- Practice several different types of sports throughout the year to prevent possible overuse injuries.
- Safe Play
During games, players should:
- Respect all safety rules while playing soccer.
- Know the rules of the game and respect them.
- Be respectful of the referees and not argue when penalized.
- Remain calm if a player on the opposing team appears to be purposely trying to injure them. Inform the coach and referee and let them resolve the situation.
