Safety on the Soccer field

Last Sunday during Coed Open play two players went up for a ball and heads collided. As I understand it, one player was knocked unconscious, and the other received a gash on the head and was taken to the hospital for medical attention. Injuries are never good. Serious injuries like this one that took place truly make me sad.

Since the incident, I have spoken to players involved in the game, and in turn our referee commissioner, Alan Exley. Refereeing a highly competitive league, such as our Coed Open, is a challenging job! I know, because I too am a referee, in addition to being a player and a coach. I've heard some voices expressing frustration that the referees allowed the intensity to rise to a level that led to the accident. Whether that is true or not, I believe we, players and refs, all share a responsibility for the safety of one another on the field. So as the League President, I take your safety concerns seriously and am in constant contact with our referee commissioner regarding these issues.

As players we need to do our part to protect one another out there on the field. The truth is, we have much more power than the referees, to maintain a fun and safe environment on the soccer field. I wanted to offer up some things to think about when you are out there playing this week.

1) 50/50 balls are one of the biggest places for you or the person you are challenging, to get injured. If you are not 100% certain that you are going to get to the ball first, or if you are but your not certain, that the other person's momentum is not going to take you out, Back Off! Remember, it's just a game.

2) Keep control of your body. Don't put your foot down on the ole gas pedal so hard you can't control where you are kicking or who you are running into. On the same token, keep your emotions in check, play with a level head out there on the field.

3) Watch challenges from behind. You shouldn't be kicking at a player or the ball if their back is turned to you. This is patently dangerous and a cause of injuries. Do not push from behind, watch your hands!

4) Sliding is prohibited in the HSL. Keep your feet when challenging for a ball.

5) If you have the ball and are being challenged, keep your elbows down. This is dangerous and can result in face or head injuries to the other player.

6) When going up for a header, go straight up. Do not back into the player behind you, or attempt to lean over the player in front of you. Again, keep your elbows down and do not push into the player in front of you.

7) Be a sportsman. Do NOT swear or yell at the refs or other players. Do NOT tolerate dissentful behavior from your teammates toward the refs or players on the other team. if you have an issue, please bring it up with your captain/manager, so they can address the ref or a commissioner or board member, a few of whom are often present on the playing field.

8) Be encouraging. Help the other guy up. Smile. You're playing soccer, the BEAUTIFUL game. Life is good.

I welcome your comments on this and other issues. Please keep your words constructive and respectful. Thank You.

-Paul