contact . Earlier reports had found headgear to be effective at higher speeds , but not effective at lower speeds , which are more common in soccer . There are few studies that have evaluated the usefulness of protective headgear in soccer and there is a definite need for more studies in this area . However , coaches who support wearing these protective devices should understand that no current protective headgear will prevent a concussion in soccer .
Summary
Concussion is an injury that should be taken seriously by coaches , parents and players . It may be difficult for players to admit to their coaches or sports medicine staff that they are having concussive symptoms ( e . g ., headaches ) for fear of being removed from participation or ridiculed by teammates and others . However , coaches can support and encourage athletes to be truthful about their injuries and support decisions made by their respective sports medicine staff members . Coaches should also become familiar with the signs and symptoms of concussion and should not allow a player who has a concussion to return to the field in the same game or practice . It is important for coaches not to pressure athletes into returning to play before they are completely recovered — even for the championship game . In most instances these decisions will be made by sports medicine personnel ; however , club and recreational coaches will often find themselves to be the only person in a position to make a return-to-play decision on the field . Coaches should err on the side of caution . Players will be best served if coaches support them and keep them involved with team functions and activities when they are injured . A concussed athlete may feel withdrawn from the sport environment and coaches are in an ideal position to make athletes feel that they are still part of the team even when they are injured . In summary , concussion can be a serious injury if mismanaged , but with proper education and precautionary measures , concussed soccer players can experience a full recovery and return successfully to participation . n
List of Suggested Readings
Broglio , S ., Yan-Ying , J ., Broglio , M ., & Sell , T . ( 2003 ). The efficacy of soccer headgear . Journal of Athletic Training , 38 ( 3 ), 220-224 .
Delaney , J ., & Frankovich , R . ( 2005 ). Head injuries and concussions in soccer . Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine , 15 ( 4 ), 214-216 .
Naunheim , R . S ., Ryden , A ., Standeven , J ., Genin , G ., Lewis , L ., Thompson , P ., et al . ( 2003 ). Does soccer headgear attenuate the impact when heading a soccer ball ? Academic Emergency Medicine , 10 ( 1 ), 85-90 .
Withnall , C ., Shewchenko , N ., Wonnacott , M ., & Dvorak , J . ( 2005 ). Effectiveness of headgear in football . British Journal of Sports Medicine , 39 ( Suppl 1 ), i40-i48 .
Table 1 . Signs , Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments of Concussion .
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS Headache Nausea Memory problems Poor attention Fatigue Drowsiness Poor concentration Slow reaction time Sleeping more / less than usual Sensitivity to light / noise Decreased processing speed Difficulty concentrating Vomiting Balance problems Irritability Numbness or tingling Feeling mentally foggy
Difficulty remembering Dizziness Trouble falling asleep Sadness Feeling more emotional Feeling slowed down
Visual problems
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