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Heads Up on Concussion. The Most Talked About Injury in Today’s Sports. Concussion. 32 states have now enacted concussion laws. Most states require athlete to be cleared by medical professional before returning to sport. Most concussions occur in football.
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Heads Up on Concussion The Most Talked About Injury in Today’s Sports
Concussion • 32 states have now enacted concussion laws. • Most states require athlete to be cleared by medical professional before returning to sport. • Most concussions occur in football. • Each season 20% of HS football players and 10% of college football players will experience concussions. • After football, hockey, martial arts…and soccer players are most at risk.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head area. • Even a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. • You cannot see a concussion, but you can recognize the symptoms. • Symptoms can show up right after the injury or sometimes not until after days or even weeks. • If a player reports any symptoms of a concussion, or if you or a parent notice any symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Cooperation between Coaches, Parents and Referees is vital when there is a potential concussion. • The Referee may be in the best position to observe the player after a bump or a fall. Referees should get the attention of the coach and both should observe the player, and where there is doubt regarding the player’s condition, involve the parents, and remove the player from the match. • Parents should seek help from a medical professional.
Concussion • When there is doubt… • SIT THE PLAYER OUT!
CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS Observed by Coach, Referee or Parents. If a player has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a match or training session, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion: • Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position • Forgets instructions • Is unsure of game, score, or opponents • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows behavior or personality changes • Can’t recall events prior to the hit or fall • Can’t recall events after the hit or fall
Concussion Symptoms reported by the athlete: • Headache or “pressure” in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems or dizziness • Double or blurry vision • Sensitivity to light • Sensitivity to noise • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Concentration or memory problems • Confusion • Does not “feel right”
What Should Parents Do If They Think Their Child Has A Concussion? 1. Seek medical attention right away.A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports. 2. Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime. • Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your child had a recent concussion in ANY sport. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.
How Can We Help Our Athletes Prevent A Concussion? Sport by nature is dynamic and unpredictable, but there are steps that our soccer athletes can try to take to protect themselves from concussion: • Ensure that they follow their coaches rules for safety and the laws of the game. • Practice the use of proper soccer techniques, especially when heading the ball. • Practice good sportsmanship at all times. • Wear the proper protective equipment. • Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly. • Be aware of all the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
So, What About Heading A Soccer Ball? • Currently there are no conclusive studies that indicate that heading a soccer ball causes brain damage to a player. • However, AYSO programs recommend that heading not be taught to players until they are in the U12 Division. • Although part of the beautiful game, heading does not become an integral part of the game until players reach the U-14 level.
Are there times when a player should head the ball? ABSOLUTELY!
Are there alternatives to heading the ball? ABSOLUTELY!
Players can be taught to judge the flight of the ball, adjust their position and use other parts of the body to control the ball: • Chest Trap • Upper Thigh Trap • Foot Traps
As a coach you may want to think about changing your team’s style of play by keeping the ball on the ground? • By teaching your team to maintain possession by ball movement on the ground through passing they will have better control and will be better able to build up your attacking and defending methods. • In general, most headed balls end up in the possession of your opponent.
One of the greatest club teams on the planet is Barcelona. • The average height of players in their 1st team squad is 5ft 7ins. • They hardly ever play a ball in the air (playing to their strength?) • Watch how they build up play by keeping the ball on the ground.
IF IT WORKS FOR BARCELONA… • WHY NOT YOU AND ME?
Today we have covered: • The symptoms of a concussion or potential concussion. • Our responsibility as a coach to ensure the safety of our players regarding concussion issues. • Coordinated efforts between coaches, referees, parents and players regarding concussion. • Alternatives to players heading a soccer ball. • Possible ways of changing our team style of play.
Concussion QUESTIONS?
Everyone Plays! “Customer service is not a department, it’s an attitude” - Unknown
Great Coaching = Great Customer Service • Player Development Matters! • Why We Play the Game the Way We Do • Nurturing New Coaches
Great Soccer Starts with Great Communication • You’re the Source! • Setting the Tone • Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! • Use Your Tools • Shutterfly Team Site • Team Parent • Division Coordinator, Coach Administrator, Board • Region Website
