Good sportsmanship programs, such as the fair-play concept, have been shown to reduce injury and penalty rates and should be adopted for all levels of youth hockey. Youth hockey programs need to educate players, coaches, and parents about the importance of knowing and following the rules as well as the dangers of body checking another player from behind. The statement on soccer also highlights current trends in reported injuries. The number of fatalities associated with traumatic contact with goal posts is surprising and needs the attention of those associated with youth soccer. An additional three fatalities were reported from January 1993 through July 1994.
Soccer is second only to basketball for oral, facial and dental injuries in sports.
The statement also highlights the need to further study the cognitive consequences of heading the soccer ball among youth players. Protective eyewear and mouth guards may help reduce the number of some nonfatal head and facial injuries. Further research is needed to determine if rule changes, equipment modifications, or further safety interventions can reduce the number of other injuries. Because soccer-related fatalities have been strongly linked with head impact on goalposts, goalposts should be secured in a manner consistent with guidelines developed by the manufacturers and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The potential for permanent cognitive impairment from heading the ball needs to be explored further.