Concussion Can Have Long Term Effects, When In Doubt Sit Them Out

In accord with the recommendations in US Soccer’s Player Safety Campaign, PAWest Youth Soccer has banned heading for players aged 10 and younger for all PAWest Youth Soccer activities including but not limited to PAWest Youth Soccer Member League play, practices and tournaments. Following is US Soccer’s Player Safety Campaign and modified rule.  As part of U.S. Soccer's Player Safety Campaign, U.S. Soccer unveiled the U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative that provides guidelines that were implemented in January of 2016.

This directive is to protect players 10 years old and younger regardless of what age group they are playing in. A purposeful header by these players will result in an indirect free kick awarded to the opponent at the spot of the infraction.

Included in the U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative are specific changes to rules on substitutions and heading for certain age groups. Those changes included:

•   Modify substitution rules to allow players who may have suffered a concussion during games to be evaluated without penalty

•   Eliminating heading for children 10 and under

•   Please note that U11 is listed in the U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative document because U11 players can be 10 years old at the beginning of the season

•   Limiting the amount of heading in practice for children between the ages of 11 and 13

 

What Is A Concussion:

A concussion is a brain injury that:

•   Is caused by a bump or blow to the head

•   Can change the way your brain normally works

•   Can occur during the practices or games in any sport

•   Can happen even if you haven’t been knocked out

•   Can be serious even if you’ve just been "dinged"

 

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

•   Headach or pressure in the head

•   Nausea or vomitting

•   Balance problems or dizziness

•   Double or blurry vision

Do you know enough about concussions? Take the Heads Up Concussion Test

 

PAWest Partners with SportGait

"PA West Soccer is partnering with SportGait to offer member clubs their Concussion Safety Program at no cost.  This program will be an important addition to participating club's player safety and risk management programs.

SportGait provides a complete online program that provides parent and player education, a mobile tool to help recognize concussion, and the ability to manage return to play for players who have been diagnosed with a concussion.

In addition to their Concussion Safety Program, SportGait also has a pre-season and post-concussive testing available through their partnered medical facilities.

 

References:

“Roles.” Chicago City Soccer Club, www.chicagocitysoccerclub.com/roles. Accessed 5 Apr. 2019

“SportGait Partnership.” PA West Soccer, www.pawest-soccer.org/sportgait/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2019