Why are there more soccer injuries?

I remember my first vehicle in high school – a Ford Bronco. I loved that thing! It was beat-up and old but it was cool. I never saw other vehicles like it on the road. When it finally died I went years without another vehicle because I was living abroad and playing soccer so I would just borrow a family member’s car when I would come home to visit during the off-season. When it finally came time to get another vehicle I was married and had been sharing my wife’s car. We had no extra money and found a great deal on a great car…Just kidding. While it was a good car, it was UGLY and not a cool style at ALL. {I know some of my older clients are laughing right now because you know what I am talking about!}

I drove that car for a couple of years until my wife said ‘enough!’ and fussed about child safety. I upgraded to a 2006 white Toyota 4Runner. I was so excited. I got a window wrap to stand out and thought I made that car look good. However, one thing I began to notice was how many other white 4Runners there were on the road as well. Why was there suddenly all these white 4Runners around?

Because I was aware of them, was looking for them, noticed them.

I think that, to some extent, the same principle is true of soccer injuries, such as concussions. There has not always been the data to support long-term outcomes of soccer players or football players in reference to soccer injuries. Also, more kids play sports now than 30 years ago because the economy, social issues and family situations have changed so much and kids don’t carry the burdens to help provide that they once did.

On the flip side of this argument though is that for whatever reason you attribute to higher numbers, the numbers of injury per group of players is on the rise. Why are there more soccer injuries? Primarily because kids are doing the wrong things and are not being rested the right way. Not all parents know what to look for but a good trainer should know what the kids should be doing. For example, if you’re doing shooting sessions twice a week for an hour a day then that is not good. Why? Players must be warmed up before they start scrimmaging or shooting – why?

I hear of kids having to lift weight at school in the 7th and 8th grades, with no weight belts to wear, proper training on mechanics, or supervisory presence. I don’t think girl soccer players at this age should even be lifting weights! Teams are playing tons of games and tournaments these days and games are a primary source of body wear and tear. That is when athletes are playing their hardest – tackling, falling, kicking.

Parents need to be educated about the situations that put their kids at risk, the signs of harmful injuries, treatment options, and protective measures they can take. Limits need to be set on what is practical and sustainable and long-term goals need to evaluated in light of the injury. Good conditioning and routine medical exams, in addition to knowing the proper treatment measures, all help to reduce the risk of and improve the recover from soccer injuries.

UPDATE {June 2014}

About the 4Runner…I did not want to ever change my mode of transportation again. However, damage to the car and the birth of my second daughter forced a change. Now that I am in a pickup truck, I see why my wife insisted I get it – I never have to worry about the heavy metal rebounder or large steel poles or goals coming through the seats or rolling off the console to hurt one of my daughters. I never realized this could be an issue and then it would have been too late. {thanks babe}

I hope you guys will consider the long-term goals of your child’s game, educate yourself about common soccer injuries, and keep soccer fun by protecting your child though knowledge, advocacy, and preparedness.