Blog: Keep sports fun and safe

Posted by: Anthony Green at Jun 27, 2012 12:00 AM CDT

Keywords: Safety Tips

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We all know that the challenges of soccer Moms and Dads go beyond the constant shuttling service getting our kids to games and practices, and taking our turn getting the snacks. One of the key messages we sent with our recent survey report on sports safety of coaches, young athletes and parents—made possible by our founding sponsor Johnson & Johnson—is that the risk of injury in sports is not limited to football, not to boys or not just to concussions.

A recent report on NBC's "Rock Center" makes the point vividly. It tells the story of 15-year-old Allison Kasacavage who is debilitated by concussions she received playing soccer. In October 2008 she collided with another player on the field and that was her first concussion. Allison suffered further concussions in "heading" the ball. In “heading,” soccer players attempt to use their foreheads to direct the ball.

The report said that girls report concussion injuries in soccer nearly twice as often compared to boys playing the same game. Dr. Bob Cantu, director of sports medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass., says that part of the reason for the disparity is that girls' necks are weaker and heading is more dangerous.

Parents and soccer coaches must be aware of the risk faced by girls in the sport, and educated in steps they can take to prevent aggravated injury and concussion symptoms. In addition, all parents should know that many sports can lead to injury in young athletes, such as knee injuries in sports like soccer, basketball and others.

Another message is that we want sports to be fun and safe. And they can be, with care. What Allison is experiencing is not fun. She said, "It's almost like I need a sign on my back saying, 'My head is broken.'"

More About Sports Safety

Comment on this Blog Post:

Posted by Mythune Jennifer Trias at: June 28, 2012

It's a good thing I taught my 7-year old all about soccer when he had his first ball. Went through the routine of letting him watch some of the English Premier League games but explaining to him in detail some facets of the game which could potentially be dangerous. Thank God for this soccer mom.