October 24, 2016 | Brain and Spinal Injury
In recent years, soccer has become one of the most popular activities for children of all ages. An estimated 3 million children under the age of 19 participate in the sport, which is 90 percent more than participants in 1990. Local media reports1 that Indiana Soccer alone has about 56,000 young players. Along with the benefits of team sports and staying active, soccer also brings a high risk of injury to children. Some of these injuries, such as concussions and other head injuries, can have lasting effects on our children.
A new study published in Pediatrics2 examines just how much soccer-related head injuries have increased over the years. Specifically, the study states that head injuries have increased by 1600 percent from 1990 to 2014. This alarming finding indicates that head and brain safety in soccer must be addressed and that leagues may be held responsible for failing to take necessary safety precautions.
Reasons for Increased Head Injuries
While the overall increased rate of participation certainly contributes to the increase in injuries, so does the extent of participation for certain players. In the past, a child may have played soccer for one season per year at their school, church, or community center. Now, however, it is common for many youth soccer players to participate in special club leagues, travel leagues, school leagues, as well as recreational leagues. Many children play soccer year-round and more practices and games increase the risk of head injuries.
Holding Leagues Liable
Head injuries most commonly happen in soccer due to contact with the ball, another player, or the ground. Youth soccer players do not generally wear any protective headgear, so if their head collides with another player’s head, shoulder, elbow, or knee, they can suffer serious brain injuries.
Coaches and leagues should take necessary care to both prevent and identify head injuries in youth soccer. Coaches should not allow or encourage rough play that increases the risk of injuries. Leagues should also have policies to pull a child from the game and have them fully examined anytime they experience any contact to their head or neck. Sending a child back onto the field with a possible concussion can be a highly dangerous situation.
Contact an Indianapolis Head Injury Attorney for Help
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., our Indianapolis brain injury lawyers have successfully helped many head injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced brain injury attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.