New data on multiple concussions in youth soccer

Concussions in youth soccer

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

Risk of more concussions

WADA data showed that once a player had their first concussion, the player was three times more likely to have a second or third concussion compared to players who had never had one. Nebraska’s Turner Gill had to pass up a very promising NFL career after suffering three concussions over 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 and 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 concussions group included an almost twice the 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 don’t always result in unconsciousness. At the youth level, it’s foolish to even consider putting a player in contact before a rest period of 7-10 days after their first concussion. Of course, always have the player see a doctor immediately and do not play with anyone who still shows 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 are thinking of you when you rush a player back into action after a concussion. In those cases, you will have used up the entire balance of the “emotional bank account” that you have with those parents.