Brain Injury Association of New York State

Soccer Safety

Did You Know...
Soccer is the fastest growing sport in the United States. Parents typically view soccer as being less hazardous than full-contact sports like football.

Soccer Facts

Collisions with other players is the most common activity at the time of injury. Contact injuries involving collisions with other players typically involves head to head contact. Other brain related injuries in soccer involve contact with objects like the ball, goal posts, or the ground.
Between 1995-1997, 6.2 percent of female high school soccer players sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and 5.7 percent of male players sustained TBIs while participating in soccer

Preventing Injuries

Youth soccer teams, properly supervised by qualified coaches and trainers, provide excellent brain building experiences for your child.

The following precautions should be taken to prevent injury:

Collision with other players should be discouraged and avoided.
Heading the ball, especially by younger players should be discouraged.
Younger teams should use the appropriate size and weight ball during practice and play.
Goal posts should be padded and properly anchored to the ground. A new standard requires that safety notice be fixed to goal posts stating: "Warning: Always anchor goals. Unsecured goals can fall over causing serious injuries or death".

When to take action...

Players should notify their coaches and see a physician if they experience the following symptoms during play:

Headaches
Nausea
Confusion
Dizziness
Vomiting

These are early signs of concussion and must be treated to avoid further injury

For More Information.....

Brain Injury Association of America
105 North Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (708) 236-6000
Fax: (708) 236-6001
E-mail: prevention@biausa.org
www.biausa.org