Originally Posted by Hockey

I wish coaches, particularly those who work with minors, would be more responsible about concussion.

Firstly, there’s the whole prevention thing. I used to coach a few sports, including hockey. At the first practice I would check the helmet of every kid on the team.

Even though I warned the parents in advance that I conducted an equipment inspection, it was usual to find over half the children wearing helmets that were improperly fitted.

Some of the dads would get really steamed because I wouldn’t let their kid on the ice until I’d personally fixed their helmet with my trusty screwdriver. The really scary part was that these youngsters had been playing three or four years before they ran into me. That’s unacceptable.

Secondly, coaches need to know just how serious concussion is. That needs to go beyond identification and first aid on the court, field or ice. As Mark always emphasizes, the cumulative effect of head injuries can be devastating. Coaches need to understand this and make decisions, no matter how immediately unpopular, that are in the best interest of their young athletes. Soccer, to be frank, if I knew your history, I would have never let you play on one of my teams: you’re just too important.

Originally Posted by Hockey

I think the main problem with soccer is that "heading" the ball is a crucial part of the game. The difficulty with all contact sports is that they involve, well, contact. Even in a friendly match of basketball, hockey etc... bumping is inevitable and trips and falls quite likely.

You could bounce the ball around on your foot, but the moment you started to pass the ball or, God forbid, scrimage, you'd be at risk. Besides, dribbling the ball, but not playing, would probably seem pointless and boring.

I agree with the others that you need to think about sports that are less risky. You've already had some excellent suggestion like yoga and tai chi.

Of course, those things will keep you fit, but they may lack the competitive character you enjoy. In that case, do you golf? It's challenging, but the risk level is more acceptable. Bowling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and swimming may also be acceptable alternatives.

Originally Posted by JT5493

how can you even function let alone wonder about playing soccer again? I had a concussion 3 weeks ago and still feel like crap and am unacle to function, plus your case sounds more serious than mine. Also i dont think you ought to worry about playing sports, I think you should tell your parents.

Originally Posted by Dmom3005

Soccer

Please check out some of the other sports Hockey has suggested.

Especially like bowling and swimming. If you have trouble with these
two then you will really understand why the others which are contact
sports aren't good ideas.

Even something like ping pong maybe.

I also wonder have you thought about checking into volunteering for something like special olympics. This would be a very rewarding thing
to do.
Donna

Originally Posted by Dmom3005

Look into volunteering for the animal shelter now. It would be a good
outlet for you.

Donna

Originally Posted by Dmom3005

Look into volunteering for the animal shelter now. It would be a good
outlet for you.

Donna