If we look at the injuries occurring we can work on solutions to prevent them. Most of the injuries, in order, involve the ankle, the knee and the head.The majority of the injuries occur in the second half, indicating that player fatigue and fitness may be playing a role in injury.
Four out of five injuries occur during contact and over half involve foul play. Stricter rule enforcement especially for tackles from behind and elbow to head contact will go a long way to reduce these.
The incidence of concussion occurs twice as often in women and girls than in their male counterparts. The reason why is not understood. It is important to understand that no headgear can prevent this injury. The two main recommendations regarding concussion is to reduce the occurrence by stronger officiating and secondly by education so that coaches, players, trainers and parents recognize the injury and seek medical care to ensure a safe return to sport without re-injury.
Finally, and perhaps most alarming is the incidence of ligament ruptures in the knees. Studies show it is occurring up to ten times more often in females. This injury often requires surgical repair and missing sports from six to twelve months. The international soccer body, FIFA, recognizes and have come up with a scientifically proven warm up, entitled 11+ which can reduce the rate of this debilitating injury. It is designed to be used for every practice and game, and can be modified according to the level of the players. The program is available freely on the internet and through FIFA, and all coaches should incorporate it into their team preparation.
Sports medicine is more than treating injuries, it is through study, education and research striving to understand and prevent injury, keeping athletes safe and enjoying their sport.