Safety Tips: Soccer

Soccer is an exciting, fast-paced game that's lots of fun to play. It's easy to learn and a great source of exercise. But soccer is a contact sport, and injuries can happen.

To keep things as safe as possible while playing soccer, players should follow these safety tips.

What Soccer Safety Gear Do Players Need?

Safe soccer gear includes:

• Soccer shoes. These usually have cleats (spikes on the soles) so are often just called “cleats.” Soccer shoes also might have ribbed soles. These features help prevent slipping. Make sure the shoes fit properly and are laced up tightly each time you play.
• Shin guards. Shin guards should mold to the shin, start just below the knee, and fit snugly around the ankle. They help prevent injuries to the shinbone. Players should take their soccer socks and cleats when they buy shin guards to make sure they fit properly.
• Other gear. A mouth guard protects a player’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue. Goalies should wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, or shorts with padding, and special goalie gloves to protect their hands while stopping shots.

How Can Soccer Players Stay Safe?

Before starting the season, players should get a sports physical. Their doctor can check for any health problems and talk about sports safety. Most schools won't let athletes play unless they've had a sports physical within the past year. And being in good shape can help players avoid injuries.

Before games, players should:

• Check the field to make sure there are no holes or other obstacles, including debris and broken glass. Store extra balls and equipment well off to the sides of the field before a practice or game starts.
• Check the goals at each end of the field to make sure they're safe. Goals should be attached to the ground, and goal posts should be well padded. If the field is wet, use synthetic, nonabsorbent balls. Leather balls can become waterlogged and very heavy, increasing the risk of injury.
• Remove any piercings or jewelry.
• Warm up and stretch.

During games, players should:

• Follow the rules of soccer and use proper techniques. In US youth soccer leagues, kids 10 years old and younger shouldn’t hit the ball with their head (“head the ball”) at all. Older kids should follow the league rules about heading in games and in practice. Heading the ball can lead to a concussion and/or neck injury. 
• Stop playing if they feel pain or get hurt. Players must get checked by an athletic trainer, coach, doctor, or nurse before going back on the field.
• Stay hydrated, particularly on hot, sunny days, by drinking plenty of liquids before, during, and after games and practices.
  

What Else Should I Know?

• The team's coach should emphasize safe, fair play at practices and games.
• Players should be respectful of the referees and not argue with their calls. They should stay calm if an opposing player collides with them or does something they disagree with. They should not take it personally or start a fight — let the referees handle it.
• It can help to play different sports throughout the year to prevent repetitive stress injuries (overuse injuries). These happen when someone trains too much or makes the same motions over and over.