injury prevention & Return to Play
Injury Prevention
Injuries
Injuries in soccer are unfortunately common. They can have a significant physical, emotional, psycho-social, and financial impact on both the individual and the team.
Quick Facts:
Injuries occur more frequently in younger players, with 80% of injuries occurring in players under the age of 24 and 44% of injuries occurring in players under the age of 15.
Injury rates in female players tend to be higher for ACL injuries and concussions.
If you’ve recently been injured, click here to view our guide to help you with next steps.
The FIFA medical network offers a free online course about Injury Prevention for soccer players, designed to decrease the risk of injury and ensure safe return to sport after injury.
Movement preparation
Physical literacy movement preparation is movement that focuses on incorporating fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills into activity. An adequate warm-up and cool down should be carried out prior to every session to prepare the body for sport and enhances the way you move for both short-term and long-term benefits. Download the Physical Literacy Poster below for more information!
Check out this Coach Workshop for further information.
fifa11+ Warm-up
Injuries can be best prevented by thorough preparation. With this in mind, FIFA and its Medical Assessment and research centre (F-MARC) have developed an injury prevention programme called “FIFA 11+”.
Watch the FIFA 11+ Warm-up Videos
Return to Play
When is it safe to return?
Whether it is tendinitis or an acute traumatic injury, many injuries require restriction of and/or change in your exercise program. The amount of time away from exercise varies according to the type of injury, severity of injury, body part involved and other situational factors. Return to play (RTP) protocols should be based on the individual’s health and risk of reoccurence.
Check out ACSM’s Coaches Guide to RTP
insurance
Members who are injured while participating in a sanctioned Guelph Soccer event are entitled to coverage through Ontario Soccer’s Accident Insurance. Coverage includes an accident medical expenses that will reimburse many medical costs not covered by OHIP, Private or Group Insurance.
