The 2015 U.S. Soccer Federation header ban and its effect on emergency room concussion rates in soccer players aged 10-13.

BACKGROUND

In 2015, the U.S. Soccer Federation banned heading for players aged 10-13.

PURPOSE/QUESTION: To assess the change in proportion of children aged 10-13 playing soccer in the US presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) with a concussion in relation to any other injury before and after the ban.

METHODS

Analysis was restricted to soccer athletes between 10-13 years that reported to a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) participating hospital ED following injury in 2013-2014 and 2016-2017. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between year of injury and concussion diagnosis in relation to other injury diagnosis after adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Concussion in relation to other injuries showed a significant increase in 2016-2017 when compared to 2013-2014 after adjustment (OR= 1.286, 95%CI = 1.090-1.517).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that banning heading may not reduce concussion within this population. However, significant confounders, including increased reporting, were not controlled for.