As soccer is one of the most well loved sports on Earth, many
children and adults are lured into participating in playing on a daily
basis. Due to this wide spread popularity, soccer injuries are very
common.
With over 80,000 adults and children going to emergency
rooms every year as a result of soccer, knowing the safety rules is
vital. When playing and watching, there are certain things that you
should always be aware of so that you and your teammates or family
members are not among those hurt through either playing or watching.
There are several categories of safety rules that you should be aware
of. These consist of the following:
- On Field Safety
- Goal Safety
- Stadium Safety
- Equipment
- Weather Safety
- Miscellaneous Accessories
On Field Safety
Of all of the categories, on field
safety is the one that players are constantly aware of. This is where
most children and adults are injured. Whether it is a sprained ankle
from tripping over the ball, collisions, and other accidents, there are
several things that you can do to prevent injury. Sprained ankles are
one of the most common soccer injuries, as there is a great deal of foot
work involved.
These injuries can be avoided by using a slight
amount of caution when passing or receiving the ball, as well as taking
care when running down the field. Proper foot position when handling the
ball is one of the most effective ways at preventing this type of
injury. Unfortunately, accidents will happen, regardless of how careful
you are. By being diligent, you can make certain whatever injuries you
sustain are minor and should not interfere with future game play. The
key rule to preventing injuries on the field is to always be observant.
Know where the ball is and know who is around you.
Goal Safety
Whether
you are the goalie, or a player on defense, the goal can occasionally
become a safety hazard. In most instances, collisions with goal or
goalie are caused by lack of observation. Whether you trip and fall into
the goal posts, or hit the goalie by accident, you need to make certain
that you are always watching where you going when moving in to score.
Not only can this action cause injury, it can also get you carded which
could potentially have you removed from the game.
Another point to
consider when shopping for 8 x 24 soccer goals, is to consider goals
with rounded posts instead of square posts. When colliding with a post,
you're more likely to skip off a rounded one and avoid serious injury.
Stadium Safety
For
parents, guardians and friends, there are a few stadium safety tips
that tend to be neglected when the subject of soccer safety comes up.
Occasionally a player can lose control of the soccer ball, and it enter
the stands where you are observing the game. Injuries due to being hit
with the ball, or any other piece of equipment that flies your way, can
be easily prevented by making certain you pay attention at all times.
Running
through the stands, or through the player's area can be dangerous to
you and others. As a rule, common sense is the best safety precaution
you have. If it involves doing something that could harm yourself or
others, such as walking over the back of the bleachers, climbing over
people and tall benches, it should be avoided for your sake and others.
Equipment
Without
soccer safety equipment, all of the in game rules would be ineffective.
Shin guards, cleats, jerseys and proper fitting shorts and socks all
work together to ensure that every player can enjoy the game without
being at high risk of injury. Shin guards are used to prevent bruising
or breaking of the lower portion of the leg, where cleats and soccer
balls are highly likely to hit you. Without these, such as lotto shin
guards, you put yourself at high risk.
Wearing a proper pair of
cleats, such as the ones designed by Nike, gives you more grip into the
turf. This grip helps to prevent sprains and breaks in the ankles. These
shoes also give your feet adequate protection from other pairs of
cleats and impact with the soccer ball.
Proper fitting clothing,
ranging from the jersey, shorts and socks, contribute to player comfort.
This is important, as distractions from the game can lead to injuries
to yourself and others. It is always advisable to wear your proper
jerseys to practice or to games. Specially designed jerseys and shorts
are designed to handle the rigors of soccer. The fabric in particular is
designed to stand up against grass stains as well as be comfortable.
Weather
One
aspect of soccer safety that is forgotten by many players and parents
is weather conditions. Playing in the rain can be a fun, invigorating
experience, treasured by players for years to come. Despite this,
playing in muddy conditions is dangerous. The slipping and sliding that
creates a great deal of the enjoyment taken from playing soccer in the
rain leaves room for a wide variety of different injuries. If you choose
to play soccer in the rain, make certain you take every precaution
possible, from wearing cleats, guards and your protective gear.
When
a full fledged storm comes up, complete with thunder and lightning,
game play should be ended immediately. A soccer field is the worst place
to be in the middle of a lightning storm, and parents as well as
players have been killed or maimed by lightning. If lightning is spotted
and your referee does not end the game, you should still leave the
field as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous Accessories
Before
you play soccer, you need to make certain that you are not wearing
miscellaneous accessories such as earrings, anklets and other pieces of
jewelry that could be broken or cause harm. Earrings in particular are
prone to being torn from earlobes when contact is made with a soccer
ball. By removing these pieces of jewelry and other items of this
nature, you can help prevent injuries to yourself that could be
disfiguring. If you are considering getting piercings and you play
soccer, you may want to consider planning to have your piercings done
when the soccer season is over.
If you keep all of these things in
mind while playing or observing soccer games, you should be able to
enjoy the sport while being at low risk of injury.
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