Concussions in U.S. youth soccer players: results from the U.S. soccer online concussion survey

Purpose: This study aimed to describe incidence rates of concussion from alarge online survey of United States (U.S.) male and female youth soccer players; and to compare rates by age group, sex, competitive level, and practices compared to games.Methods: The survey was conducted through US Soccer consisting of three sections; demographic data, soccer heading exposure and awareness of US Soccer heading guidelines, and concussion data.Results: Respondents (n = 8,104) completed aretrospective online survey during the fall 2016 season representing 101,699 (42,048 girls; 41%) youth soccer players aged 7–14. Outcomes were concussion prevalence per 100 players and incidence per 10,000 athletic exposures (AE). Total concussion incidence for the sample was 8.48/10,000 athlete exposures (AE). Games (rather than practice) and older age (11–14) players had higher rates of concussion (Games: IRR = 5.67, Older Age: IRR = 2.68). Fewer than 1 in 5 concussions (47/253; 19%) occurred during attempted purposeful heading of the ball.Discussion: Overall, 82% (208/253) of all reported concussions received some form of clinical care. A majority of players sought care following their concussion suggesting that awareness and education efforts are having a positive effect on behavior.