Essay On Concussions

Impact of Concussions on Adolescents
The sport of soccer has recently received a lot of press and not for a good reason. What we thought was just a simple bump on the head, now more likely develops into chronic issues such as dizziness, memory loss, headache and possibly brain bleeding. Concussions now more than ever are affecting children at younger ages because of negligence and not teaching children the proper ways to handle balls. I personally experienced concussions and there are ways they could have been prevented. Children eighteen years and younger should have to take classes before starting their soccer season to learn about how to prevent concussions, take a baseline test to see where the brain is before ever getting a concussion
With additional information it could drastically decrease the number of people who get concussions. With knowing the proper information it could exceedingly change the amount of people who suffer from concussions. The Ontario Soccer Association and Toronto Soccer Association, in Canada, are focusing on concussion education, strategies, and awareness campaigns to align players, parents, coaches and trainers on the most up-to-date evidence and resources for concussion prevention, identification and management. If every youth league across America was to take the initiative to actually spend time learning about concussions, the number of concussions would drastically decrease. The soccer club I currently play in requires all parents, players and coaches to do online training as well as in person. We also have to sign a statement that we understand concussions and their symptoms in order to play. This is something that all soccer organization should do. In addition, coaches should have to take a more in depth course so that they are more informed and will know how to properly handle concussions. The vast majority of youth soccer coaches are volunteers or parents and have previously never had any sort of medical training or
This problem does not apply for all adolescents. Because of the new rule passed by U.S. Soccer, children 10 and under are no longer allowed to head the ball. Also children 11-13 have limits on how many times they are supposed to practice heading the ball. Dr. Robert Cantu, a concussion expert says "More concussions happen during the act of heading than any other action in soccer,"(Scholastic). On the other hand what about the players 14-18 whose brains that have still not developed and are now more than ever in need of something to rescue them from concussions. Head gear could be the answer to those players that are not protected by rules and regulations. Doctors tell players after a certain amount of concussions if they want to continue playing soccer it is recommended that they wear something that protects their head. Why is it only a recommendation if doctors tell us that it will reduce the risk that we will receive a first or more concussions? To protect the brains of children all across the country, including your children, rules should be enforced. Those that are not protected by the new regulations should have to wear a protective head gear as well while playing in