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Soccer Health and Safety

The seriousness and frequency of concussions have come to the forefront in many professional and youth sports in the past several years. As coaches and parents we should educate ourselves the best we can to recognize the signs of conussions and how to deal with a diagnosis. REMEMBER - WHEN IN DOUBT - SIT THEM OUT!

CDC - Free Online Concussion Training and Other Resources

To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, the CDC developed the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. Please visit this site to learn more.


The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offers these safety suggestions for soccer players:

  • Stay in good physical shape, even in the off-season, with regular exercise and strength training.
  • Always warm up and stretch before playing.
  • Always cool down and stretch after playing.
  • Be sure to drink enough water before and during play.
  • Always wear proper safety gear, including shin guards and shoes with ribbed soles or molded cleats.
  • When the field is wet, use soccer balls made of synthetic, nonabsorbent materials, instead of leather.