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US SOCCER Recognize to Recover

Environment Conditions:


Extreme heat can impact players' health and safe play. Proper hydration and knowing when you need to drink are critical, to help prevent many injuries and illnesses, from muscle cramps to heat stroke. Players should drink water before, during and after a game or practice, which means coaches should make sure there is adequate water available. U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program gives players, parents, coaches and referees information and guidelines to make sure the desire to play does not cloud the decision-making process when it comes to evaluating environmental conditions to ensure the safety of those on the field.

RECOGNIZE

Thirst is a warning that your body is already in an early stage of dehydration. Drink when you are thirsty. Recognizing the signs of dehydration are important because the amount of water required will vary from player to player.

  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Sleepiness or tiredness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fever
  • In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness


RECOVER

  • Add hydration breaks
  • Shorten practice
  • Practice early or late in the day when temperatures are lower
  • Use less-strenuous training activities during practice


U.S. Soccer Heat Guidelines
Heat Guidelines Contributors: Korey Stringer Institute and Dr. George Chiampas

U.S. Soccer Cold Weather Guidelines
Cold Weather Guidelines Contributors: Athletico, Korey Stringer Institute and Dr. George Chiampas


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

HEADS UP to Youth Sports

To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The HEADS UP initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion.

Follow this link for Specific Concussion Information for… Coaches, Parents, Officials, and Athletes. 

US SOCCER Recognize to Recover

Head and Brain Conditions:

A concussion can be difficult to recognize on the field. Most occur without a loss of consciousness or an obvious sign that something is wrong with a player’s brain function. They can occur at any time throughout games or practice, as a blow to the head or body from contact with the ground, the ball or another player. Working with leading physicians for more than a decade, U.S. Soccer created Recognize to Recover resources that will help coaches, players, parents and referees identify the signs and symptoms of concussion and immediately take action with the appropriate treatment. 

RECOGNIZE

Changes in brain functions:

  • Unaware of game (opposition colors, score of game, last play)

  • Confusion

  • Amnesia (does not recall events prior to the hit or after the hit)

  • Drastic changes in alertness

  • Does not know time, place or date

  • Slowed responses to questions or conversation

  • Decreased attention and concentration

Mental and emotional changes:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Anger

  • Irritability

  • Emotionally unstable

Physical changes:

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Unsteadiness/loss of balance

  • Feeling “dinged” or stunned or “dazed”

  • Seeing stars or flashing lights

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Double vision

 

RECOVER

Remove, Evaluate and Restare key steps to treating a concussion or other head injury in soccer.When a concussion is identified quickly, it prevents the injury from getting worse, and prevents the player from staying off the field for even longer.

Remove
An athlete who experiences a blow to the head or body should immediately be removed for play and should not return to play until he/she is evaluated. When in doubt, the athlete should sit out.

Evaluate
Have a health care professional evaluate the athlete immediately. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself.

Rest
Never rush a return to play. A return to play should only occur after an athlete has been cleared by a medical professional. If you rush the return, a player is at significantly higher risk for more problems in the future.


VYSA SafeSport Policy

The VYSA Board of Directors unanimously passed an updated SafeSport policy in August 2019 to include requirements from US Soccer. 

All clubs and leagues are required to become familiar and adhere to all aspects of the new policy.

Contact [email protected] with questions.

Link to the VYSA SafeSport Policy