sports policy and environment
The rules and policies of soccer assist the flow of play and help protect players from injury. Governing sporting bodies will have policies that apply for specific age groups for safe participation. The rules of soccer are essential for fair, competitive and organised play. Without rules, there would be plenty arguments and injuries.
Modified Rules for Children
Rules in soccer are modified for children in order to make the game a little easier to participate in as there are less rules to slow down the game and they are also modified for the safety and wellbeing of the children playing.
Modifications made to soccer that makes the game safer and more appropriate for children can include:
Modified Rules for Children
Rules in soccer are modified for children in order to make the game a little easier to participate in as there are less rules to slow down the game and they are also modified for the safety and wellbeing of the children playing.
Modifications made to soccer that makes the game safer and more appropriate for children can include:
- Decrease in the size of the playing field
- Smaller, and sometimes softer playing equipment (e.g. size/material of soccer ball)
- Rule changes
- Timing of games shortened
- Increased use of body protection and/or protective equipment
Use of Protective Equipment
Protective equipment is very important for soccer, as it reduces the risk of injuries within games and training. Soccer doesn’t have much protective equipment that is required to be worn during training and games, but here are a few:
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- Consider preventative ankle taping or bracing to reduce risk of injury
- Must wear correct soccer boots that have studs to prevent slipping/tripping over
- The studs on the soccer boots must not be metal – to avoid injuring other players during contact
- Seek professional advice on footwear – to prevent injuring feet or legs for lack of support to legs/knees
- Wear mouth guard, preferably custom-fitted (if necessary) – recommended for participants who have braces – to protect their teeth, cheeks and tongue
- Goal keeper must wear a long sleeve and pants/shorts with padding, and must wear gloves to protect their hands while stopping shots
- Jewellery must not be worn because it may cause injury to another player during contact or to the player wearing the jewellery
Safe Grounds, Equipment and Facilities
In soccer, the grounds and facilities need to be appropriate and the equipment needs to be in good condition for the well-being and safety of the participants. It is extremely important that the soccer field is in good condition otherwise it will increase the risk of injuries, for example, a soccer game played on a uneven field with holes will increase the likelihood of players rolling an ankle, losing balance and colliding with another player, or even falling hard to the ground.
To enhance safe participation, it is important to:
In soccer, the grounds and facilities need to be appropriate and the equipment needs to be in good condition for the well-being and safety of the participants. It is extremely important that the soccer field is in good condition otherwise it will increase the risk of injuries, for example, a soccer game played on a uneven field with holes will increase the likelihood of players rolling an ankle, losing balance and colliding with another player, or even falling hard to the ground.
To enhance safe participation, it is important to:
- Check and maintain the surface of the field to remove hazards
- Replace balls one their water-resistant qualities are lost
- Use appropriate sized balls for the age and gender of players
- Make sure both permanent and portable goals are securely anchored to the ground
- Make sure portable goals are made of lightweight material
- Remove or secure portable goals to a permanent structure after use