Question: What
equipment do I need? Answer: Each child needs cleats,
shin guards, soccer socks, water bottle and a soccer ball for practices.
Soccer balls come in different sizes; #3 for U8, #4 for U10 &
U12, #5 for U14 and up. Many sporting goods stores and others offer
soccer supplies. Ask your coach or contact the club if you have further
questions. Feb 05
- U.S. Soccer Federation Statement on Head Injuries in Soccer and
Padded Headgear An emerging issue in the world of soccer
is the use of padded headgear by players to prevent concussions.
There have been a number of conflicting claims and reports about
the medical benefits and risks of this headgear, and USSF has received
a number of inquiries from its members about whether use of headgear
is either appropriate or recommended.
USSF's Sports Medicine Committee has reviewed a great deal of scientific
literature relating to head injuries in soccer and the safety benefits
of padded headgear. After careful review, the Sports Medicine Committee
finds no evidence that wearing this sort of headgear is beneficial
to players, and is concerned that it might actually lead to more
injuries.
The Sports Medicine Committee's conclusion is based upon an understanding
of the mechanism by which concussions occur in soccer and other
sports. Concussions are frequently caused by the force by which
the head and neck snap back after impact, with the brain impacting
on the inside of the hard skull - not the actual force of the impact.
These injuries are common in American football and hockey despite
elaborate helmets and padding. Padded headgear designed to decrease
impact will not reduce the prevalence of these types of concussions.
The Sports Medicine Committee is also concerned that the use of
headgear in soccer may alter the game in ways that would be detrimental.
For example, players may develop a false sense of security, play
more aggressively, and not learn proper technique - thus potentially
increasing the frequency of concussions. As an example, head and
neck injuries have increased in ice hockey and football since the
introduction of helmets in those sports.
Yet another concern with this equipment is that parents and coaches
are using headgear to return players to play who have already suffered
a concussion. Headgear should not be a substitute for proper medical
evaluation and treatment of concussions, and should not be used
to hasten return to play after a concussion.
Again, the Sports Medicine Committee is concerned that this headgear
gives players a false sense of security. Ironically, the major push
for use of headgear has been within the community of players least
likely to need head protection. There appears to be a significant
increase in the use of headgear by youth players 12 and under, even
though players at this level are the least likely to engage in play
that would lead to concussions.
USSF issued a memorandum last year indicating that players may
be permitted to wear headgear as long as the referee does not have
reason to believe it is dangerous to the player or other players.
USSF stands by this statement. However, this should not be taken
as an indication that USSF recommends use of this equipment to prevent
concussions. To the contrary, USSF is concerned that there are some
experts that believe that use of this headgear may make the game
less safe, and USSF intends to continue to monitor this issue. Further,
members of the Sports Medicine Committee have also been informed
that FMARC, FIFA's sports medicine committee, has concluded that
this headgear does not tangibly improve safety for players.
Finally, USSF has received inquiries as to whether it is appropriate
for USSF members to pass rules requiring use of headgear by players.
Such a rule is impermissible. USSF Bylaw 104 states that FIFA Laws
of the Game shall apply to soccer games that occur under the purview
of USSF. FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 4, provides a specific list
of mandatory equipment (including jersey, shorts, socks, shoes,
and shin guards). Headgear is not on this list, and it is not within
the authority of USSF's members to amend the Laws of the Game in
this way.
Concussions in sports are significant injuries that USSF takes
quite seriously. In addressing this issue, USSF recommends that
an effort be made to obtain proper medical evaluation of head injuries.
USSF also believes that this issue can be addressed through further
research, a focus on proper technique, and responsible officiating
of soccer games.
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