Soccer is a popular organized sport played by children worldwide. We welcome your child’s participation and want your child to have fun yet stay safe while learning the skills of soccer and team play. Here are some tips on conditioning, nutrition, soccer gear, goal post safety, headers, and preventing injuries.
Conditioning is key! At the beginning of a season, especially after a long summer vacation, it is important to slowly get your child conditioned to play soccer. Your coach may start practice with stretches and running. These activities help to warm up the muscles and connective tissues so that sprains and strains are less likely.
Nutrition and fluid intake. Eating well and getting plenty of rest help prepare children for rigorous activities. Proper nutrition means providing the body with energy to grow and to play. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (www.mypyramid.gov/) recently revised the food pyramid. What is important is to eat a variety of foods, especially those without too much fat or sugar. On the day of a game, children should eat properly (complex carbohydrates) and early (at least one hour before the game). Adequate hydration is important (www.nata.org/consumer/docs/parentandcoachesguide.pdf) to prevent heat cramps and other heat related illnesses. Region 109 suggests water for hydration, rather than drinks that are carbonated or have lots of sugar. Also, please remember to apply sunscreen (SPF 16 or greater) on exposed skin surfaces.
What about soccer gear? All children must have shinguards and appropriate soccer shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles to participate in both practices and games. Please also note that eyeglasses must be properly secured, long hair should be tied back, and players should not have any casts, splints or jewelry. It is a Region 109 regulation that no jewelry, including pierced ear jewelry and taped ear lobes, is permitted on the field.
Goal posts are dangerous! Goal posts are the number one reason for fatalities in soccer. Coaches and referees are responsible for checking that goal posts are properly secured. Children should not be playing with or around soccer goal posts - no hanging, no jumping, no swinging!
To head or not to head! Recent research has provided inconsistent information about the cognitive impact of “heading” soccer balls. According to the national AYSO, “heading is part of the game of soccer, and it should be introduced and taught properly at the appropriate age and time.” For the time being, until there is further evidence on this matter, only proper heading after appropriate skills instruction is recommended.
What about injuries? Almost one-third of players will become injured during the course of a season, but most of the injuries are minor (bumps and scrapes). Occasionally, children will get strains or sprains (www.nata.org/consumer/sprainsandstrains.htm). First aid kits and ice (www.nata.org/consumer/rice.htm) will be available at practices and games. If the pain persists or injury recurs, evaluation by an appropriate health care provider is recommended. Early recognition and appropriate management of overuse injuries are important. Please note that coaches will report any significant injury to the safety director who, in turn, will file a formal report with the national office of the AYSO.
Yale Children’s Hospital (summarizes recent injury study on soccer)
www.yalemedicalgroup.org/news/child_407.html
Children’s
www.chp.edu/greystone/orthopaedics/prevent.php
Nemours Foundation (safety while under the sun)
www.kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/summer_safety.html