“Where’s your Helmet?”

This question asked of my boyfriend from the next-door neighbor’s three-year-old proves that helmets are commonplace for kids playing in today’s world. The funny part was that we were getting in the car when he asked the question. Although we don’t need to wear helmets in the car (yet), kids are required to wear them while riding bikes. Some parents also encourage their kids to wear them while skateboarding, riding scooters, and while playing certain sports. Parents agree that it makes sense to wear a helmet when hitting a baseball since the ball is flying towards your head at a high rate of speed . . . but what about soccer?

Millions of kids across the U.S. currently participate in youth soccer leagues and the topic of protective headgear has been bantered about. Is it really necessary? Currently, the required gear for youth soccer players consists of footwear, such as tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes, and shinguards, which are mandatory for both practices and games. Padded goal posts, mouth guards, and smaller, lighter balls are used for younger children, but soccer headgear is banned in the United States.

Many people believe that the player-to-player, player-to-ground, player-to-goal post, and player-to-ball contact in soccer is relatively safe. While it is true that 50-80% of all soccer injuries involve the feet and legs, 4-22% (adults) and 9-26% (youth) of the injuries are head injuries, which commonly result in permanent brain damage.

Check out this article from the National Academies Press, which contains a summary of the “Institute of Medicine’s Workshop on Neuropsychological Consequenses of Head Impact in Youth Soccer” (2002):

“Is Soccer Bad for Children’s Heads?”

Although no authoritative medical or sports organizations have officially recommended the use of headgear in soccer, it is worth taking a closer look at the statistics. Also, it is important to note that the long-term consequences of heading soccer balls have yet to be determined, although several studies have already been launched on the subject. What recent research and neuropsychological testing has proved, is that we must reevaluate the steadfast belief that soccer is not a high-risk concussion sport.

To help you determine for yourself the exact threat of brain damage to your children were they to play soccer without protective headgear, we are providing you with a list of websites. These resources contain valuable information on the subject of headgear in order for you to make an informed decision. Decide for yourself if parents are overreacting or if your child is truly at risk.

Source:       National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics


Additional Learning Links

Soccer and the Brain - Heading for Trouble?
This "Neuroscience for Kids" article calls into question the neuropsychological effects of heading the ball in soccer.
Source:       Dr. Chudler

Heading the Ball in Soccer
The following collection of information, including media interviews, press releases, and journal articles, has been provided for health professionals, program administrators, coaches, and parents.
Source:       National Youth Sports Safety Foundation

Heading the Ball in Soccer: What’s the Risk of Brain Injury?
This commentary from Michael J. Asken, PhD., and Robert C. Schwartz, MD., will explain in detail the statistics and worries surrounding heading the ball in soccer.
Source:       The Physician and Sportsmedicine, The McGraw-Hill Companies

Injuries in Youth Soccer: A Subject Review
This is a general overview of all injuries sustained in soccer and their statistics from the group dedicated to the health of all children.
Source:       American Academy of Pediatrics

Smart Moves
Calvin Williams, developer of Kangaroo Soccer Headgear, is dedicated to making the game of soccer safer for children.
Source:       University of Houston-Clear Lake

Kangaroo Soccer Headgear
This company provides an alternative solution to playing soccer without headgear. Refer to their links page for the evidence that supports their claims.
Source:       Kangaroo Soccer Headgear

Head Injuries in Soccer
Here is a different point of view from our neighbors up north. This is a letter from the president of the C.S. Council to the Editor of the Ottawa Citizen.
Source:       Canada Safety Council