The Barnes Firm

Legal Action Forced Soccer Concussion Protocols

• November 20, 2015
• Sandy

SAN DIEGO – After possibly thousands of concussions and many careers cut short, U.S. Soccer implemented a new protocol last week that aims to curb concussions.

The United States Soccer Federation developed a plan that would eliminate ‘heading’ the ball for children 10 years old and younger. The new rules will also limit heading in practice for children between 11 and 13, according to a new joint statement.

The sweeping changes were announced in response to a lawsuit filed against several organizations over concussions in youth soccer.

A San Diego personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm says the new protocol could make the sport much safer for those who love the game.

“Soccer in particular has become more physical over through the years and more and more children are sidelined with concussions while playing the sport in San Diego,” personal injury attorney John Sheehan said. “Heading the ball is a very dangerous act that results in a large number of soccer-related injuries so taking that out of the game could have an immediate impact on the sport’s safety.”

Soccer experts say the act of heading results in the most soccer-related concussions. However, it’s not the ball causing the concussions – experts say it’s heads and other body parts colliding that causes traumatic brain injuries.

Since a young child’s brain is still developing, it can be more susceptible to injury, researchers said.

While San Diego personal injury attorneys applaud the decision to implement the safety protocols, a few hurdles remain that transcend most sports.

“It’s not easy to identify the symptoms of a concussion,” Sheehan said. “Even small blows to the head, if repetitive, can cause serious brain damage.”

U.S. Soccer is offering concussion awareness information and attorneys urge both parents and coaches to be informed about traumatic brain injuries, the symptoms, and the long-lasting effects.

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