Americans experience 3.5 million sports-related concussions every year. During 2009, Soccer alone was blamed for approximately 24,184 head injuries requiring emergency room treatment. Although soccer appears to be a low-contact sport, players and coaches know that looks can be deceiving. Head injuries abound, although many go unrecognized. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Americans experience 3.5 million sports-related concussions every year.
During 2009, Soccer alone was blamed for approximately 24,184 head injuries requiring emergency room treatment. So-called “minor” head injuries can cause more harm to the human brain than once thought possible.
Stated simply, each time we suffer a blow to the head, our brains are pushed against the rather unforgiving bones of our skulls. Internal bruising and bleeding may follow, causing problems that often go unrecognized since symptoms like nausea and dizziness can be so misleading.
The list below includes a brief review of soccer’s most common injuries. It’s followed by a list of concussion symptoms and safety tips for minimizing soccer’s dangers.
Most Common Injuries Suffered in Soccer
• When players are jockeying for control of the ball, there’s often frequent head-to-head contact, along with players’ elbows hitting each other’s bodies;
• Head injuries often occur when players are unexpectedly hit by balls kicked at close range or when they trip and fall to the ground while pursuing the ball;
• When it becomes necessary for players to suddenly change direction while running, extreme soreness can develop in various neck and body muscles;
• Players’ shins and ankles are easily bruised when they accidentally kick one another while trying to gain control of the ball; and
• Internal brain injuries can occur when players choose to “head” the ball
While orthopedists and other doctors can readily address most soccer injuries, concussions and other serious forms of brain damage can permanently compromise players’ lives. For this reason, brain injury symptoms must be taken much more seriously.
Concussions and Other Head Injury Symptoms
Players, as well as their coaches and families, must constantly keep a look out for the symptoms of concussions. Once recognized, unless the symptoms fully disappear, players must obtain the best neurological treatment available before ever returning to the game.
• Poor balance and dizziness;
• Short-term memory problems;
• Confused thinking, often accompanied by feeling physically “sluggish,”
• A sense of “pressure” in the head or headaches;
• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
Since a number of these symptoms are often related to other medical conditions, anyone who experiences them should obtain a complete physical to rule out other causes.
Given the many risks that players assume while playing soccer, it’s important for them to observe all useful safety recommendations while staying active in the game.
Important Safety Tips for Soccer Players
• Wear all of your protective gear during every game – and every practice session;
• If you must practice “heading” the ball, be sure to only “do it” near where your hairline and forehead intersect and Not with the top of your head. However, never forget that you may always be causing at least limited bruising to your brain – so keep it to a minimum;
• When it doubt (as to your unpleasant physical sensations), sit out the game for at least a half-hour or longer before returning to it;
• Regularly perform neck strengthening exercises so that unexpected impacts with the ball and other players will cause minimal damage to your neck and head area;
• Never play rough around the soccer goal posts or try climbing them since they’re often much less stable than they look;
• Perfect your kicking maneuvers and team playing skills so that unnecessary roughness will never become a temptation;
• Try to only play competitive games when one or more trained healthcare professionals are onside, ready to administer appropriate medical care when needed – even if a trip to the hospital is still necessary.
We hope this article helps you remain as safe as possible while playing soccer or trying to
keep your children safe while they master the sport.
The Demas Law Group has been providing the highest quality of legal services to Californians for nearly twenty years. We take great pride in meeting our clients’ needs as we work together toward winning your case and obtaining the maximum compensation allowed by law.
