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Concussions in youth soccer

Concussions are a serious problem in soccer. According to the AMA, about 6% of college football players suffer concussions during a typical season. His latest study indicated that many players rush back into action while still experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, poor balance, cognitive decline and severe headaches. The study found that more than 90% of the players were symptom-free by day 7 if the players were on a complete rest regimen. The study also found that 41% of gamers were rushed back into play too soon.

Risk of more concussions

AMA data showed that once a player has had their first concussion, the player is three times more likely to have a second or third concussion compared to players who have never had one. Nebraska’s Turner Gill had to give up a very promising NFL career because he suffered three concussions in an 18-month period.

After the first concussion, the arteries that flow to the brain constrict, restricting blood flow to the brain. This causes, among other things, slower reaction times as well as higher energy demands on the players’ bodies. These symptoms put the player at greater risk once he is on the field, increasing his risk of injury.

Long-term problems in the multiple concussion group included a nearly twofold higher incidence of learning disabilities, memory loss, erratic behavior, slower physical movement, emotional difficulties, and poor impulse control. As stated in previous posts here on the blog, concussions do not always result in loss of consciousness. At the youth level, it is foolish to even consider putting a player back in contact before a 7-10 day rest period after his first concussion. Of course, always have the player consult a doctor immediately and do not play with anyone who still has the above symptoms.

Implications of youth soccer training

When coaching youth soccer, remember that this player has many years of playing soccer ahead of him, there is no need to risk permanent injury. Don’t even get me started on what your parents think of you rushing a player back into action after a concussion. In those cases you will have emptied the entire balance of the “emotional bank account” that you have with those parents.

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