U.S. Soccer released a new video on recognizing and managing concussions, highlighting the important role parents, players, coaches, referees and health professionals play in the return to play process. The video is part of U.S. Soccer's Recognize to Recover (R2R) player health and safety program, and is designed to raise awareness of this important issue and will be used in coach and referee continued education.
The video, which is available to download and encouraged to be shared, follows the journey of a young soccer player through a suspected concussion and outlines the symptoms of concussions and the steps that should be taken before a player is allowed to return to the field. As the video weaves between reality and what takes place in the player's mind, we see how both the physical and mental symptoms of concussions have very real effects.
"A concussion can be difficult to recognize on the field and most occur without a loss of consciousness or an obvious sign that something is wrong with a player's brain function," said U.S. Soccer Chief Medical Officer George Chiampas. "If players, parents, coaches and referees work together to educate themselves and take proper precautions, athletes and parents can both enjoy exciting, challenging competition without the constant fear of serious injury."
Former U.S. Men's National Team player Taylor Twellman, who suffered concussions during his professional career, is also part of the video. Speaking from first-hand experience, Twellman emphasizes the importance for players to ask for help if they feel they may have suffered a concussion.
"My passion for this subject is well known throughout the soccer community," Twellman said. "I was honored that U.S. Soccer asked me to be a part of this program to hopefully make a difference in the way we evaluate and recover from concussions."
Earlier this week, the video was presented on a webinar to U.S Soccer's membership from across the country, including state associations, youth organizations and Development Academy clubs. Each member was provided the video and encouraged to share it with their players, coaches, parents and referees.
Recognize to Recover is aimed at promoting safe play and reducing injuries in soccer players of all ages. The first-of-its-kind program was developed with the help of medical experts to provide coaches, players, parents and referees with information, guidance and additional educational materials to improve the prevention and management of injuries.
To learn more about Recognize to Recover, visit recognizetorecover.org.