Soccer Moms, Players Sue FIFA Over Concussions

By | August 28, 2014

  • August 28, 2014 at 1:38 pm
    bob says:
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    what happened to assuming the risk/responsibility when you play a sport? if you don’t like the chance of an injury, stay home and play video games.

    • August 28, 2014 at 2:55 pm
      I can see it now, bob says:
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      The “video game moms” will sue over thumb injuries and ….

  • August 28, 2014 at 1:46 pm
    mike says:
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    Who would have thought that you could get a concussion from playing a sport where you can’t use your hands and hitting the ball with your head is encouraged.

  • August 28, 2014 at 2:09 pm
    Karen says:
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    There is so much competition out there as parents of kids younger and younger are looking for their kids to become elite players and get scholarships to colleges they couldn’t otherwise afford these days. It’s getting crazier by the day.

  • August 28, 2014 at 2:35 pm
    Lucy says:
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    If heading the ball is done correctly, no concussions. Coaches should be teaching correct heading skills.
    We can find potential for injury in ALL activities.
    I agree with bob. And even walking out the door everyday poses a risk.

  • August 28, 2014 at 3:34 pm
    Coach Pat says:
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    I cannot comment on the merits of the case, not having seen it; however, Bob, one cannot waive right on an unknown risk. I am a 30 year coach with national licenses and I can verify that some coaches insist on unnecessary distance heading, even UNC requires it regularly. A player on a competitive team is in an induced invitee position, thus subject to the requirements of the coach. Waiver or assumption of risk would not apply.

    Soccer is inherently dangerous but coaching instruction affects player activity so is subject to review, as is that of referees. My experience and review of related studies suggest that heading is not the primary cause of concussion but may be related to repetitive impact injury (punch drunk syndrome). It seems the majority of immediate onset concussions come from head to head efforts with keepers and strikers.

    And, Lucy, correct heading may reduce direct injury but does not reduce concussive force. Strength training of the upper back, shoulders, and neck has been shown to reduce both concussive force and injury in American Footballers. We are still working on expanding that now.

    Soccer is the highest injury rate team sport based on time played at higher levels so yes it is part of the game. That does not mean we ignore opportunities for improvement.

    Have you played or coached? Have you a coaching or training education? Have you a commercial liability claims background? I have all three and my reaction to classification of “video moms” or any other parent is small minded and serving of no useful purpose.

    For those actually interested from an insurance view, watch for actions from MLS. They are currently pushing a more physical game to improve TV audience share. I would looking at their WC data and checking definitions for their PL cover.

    For the record, I have had 7 serious soccer injuries and still coach/play. I also have no issue with looking at facts rather than name calling. Are NFL and college athletes who have sued also “video game moms”?

    • August 28, 2014 at 4:59 pm
      Lucy says:
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      Thank you Coach. Great information. I have played since I was very young and continue to love playing as an adult recreationally.

      I do agree that we should never just through up the hands and say oh well to any advances in making all things safer for everyone – especially children. I did not appreciate the article’s title referring to “soccer moms” as I doubt it was only moms involved in this and it otherwise refers to a stereotype of moms.

      Just this season I have taken on a challenge of coaching my son’s team. He’s 8. I want to make certain we are teaching proper technique for heading, because even if it’s discouraged, they want to try anyway and often use incorrect form.

      My adult league has banned slide tackling altogether with a violation resulting in a yellow card. Maybe a ban on heading is down the road.



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