Kopfverletzungen im hessischen Vereinsfußball

This study looks at N=451 soccer players who suffered injuries in 2005 while playing German club soccer. N=108 of the players suffered head injury. At the time of injury the players in the study were registered club players with the Hessen Regional Sports Federation. In most cases the focus of Head injury was the central face. More than 50% of the head injuries studied were averagely severe to severe. However the average rehabilitation period for head injury was shorter than that for injury to other parts of the body. Players with head injuries are younger and lighter. The study shows that, while they have the same amount of training time, players suffering head injury play more competition games per year. Moreover, head injuries occur more frequently during competition games than during training. Head injury does not occur significantly more frequently in any given field position. But there is a trend indicating more frequent head injury in goalkeepers and forwards. And forwards are significantly more frequently involved in situations in which head injury occurs. The central part of the pitch, together with the penalty box and the goal, are the zones in which there is the greatest risk of head injury. There is greater incidence of head injury on indoor and artificial pitches, especially when the pitches are wet. In soccer head injuries occur more frequently than so-called contact injuries if a second player is involved. Head-to-head collisions, and head-extremity collisions are the most common cause of injury. In the case of head-to-head collisions the trauma is almost generalized, whereas in most collisions involving the extremities the trauma focus is the face. These collisions are often the result of a challenge for a high ball. Collisions causing head injury are not matched by a significantly higher rate of foul calls. In order to prevent head injury, more intensive coordination and heading training should be given to young players at an earlier stage. The correct balance should be maintained between training and competition time. Players in goalkeeper and forward positions should be more prepared to wear face protection. Referees must enforce existing rules on arm to head attacks more consistently.