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THESIS

 

  
 
 

L [B R A R Y
Mighig.’m State
University

 

 

A SURVEY OF TIE INJURIES OCCURRING IN NATIONAL WLIEGIATE

ATHLETIC ASSCBIATION SOCCER IN 1958

by
Donald Frederick Halter. Jr.

AN ABSTRACT OF A THESIS

Submitted to the College of Education of Michigan
State University of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Health. Physical Education, and Recreation

1959

 

APPMWMf —

ABSTRACT

11m 91', m. A Survey of the Injuries Occurring in National

Collegiate Athletic Association Soccer in 1958.

W 91 m mm. The purpose of this study is to
collect and analyze data pertaining to the injuries which occur to the

members of soccer teams which are members of the National Collegiate

Athletic Association during the season of 1958.

W. Information was obtained by questionmires sent
to all the soccer teams which are membersot the National Collegiate
Athletic Association. The data were compiled arr! tabulated. into
percentages. ard arrarged into tables. .

m 91 the, W m. Listed are a summary of the
firdings in this study:

1. Injuries did not occur frequently. One injury occurred
approximately every ten hours and the mean number of injuries per team
was seven,

2. The majority of the injuries occurred below the pelvis
(79.2%), were caused by being kicked (25.2%) and occurred to players
who were kicking the ball (39.11%).

3. Physical contact, although it is not an objective of soccer.
was responsible for 58.2% of the injuries.

ll. Many of the injuries (5“.61) were the type which may become
chronic. These were sprains. strains and dislocations which most often

occurred to the ankle. knee and upper leg.

W m; mm m
l. The study should be repeated with the cooperation of an

organization such as the N.C.A.A. or the National Soccer Coaches'
Association of America. This would insure a larger return of question-
naires.

2. A repeated study should employ a single questionnaire for
each injury. This questionnaire should include questions pertaining
to type of conditioning program. type of shoes and shinguards used,
if the injury is a reoccurrence of a previous one. the use of ankle
wraps. the length of timethe player is forced to withdraw from activity

due to the injury and the date on which the injury occurs.

A SURVEY OF THE INJURIES OCCURRING IN NATIONAL GOHEGIATE

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOCCER IN 1958

by
Donald Frederick Walter. Jr.

A THESIS

Submitted to the College of Education of Michigan
State University of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Health. Physical Education. and Recreation

1959

ACWEMENTS

The author would like to express his appreciation to Dr. Rudolph
W. Webster for his interest. adVice ani criticisms durirg the prepara-
tion of this study. Appreciation is also extended to the coaches who

gave so generously of their time in answerirg the questionnaires.

DEDICATION

This thesis is respectfully dedicated to av wife. Pauline. and

to my college soccer coach. Mr. John R. Eiler.

TABLE (1" mm

CHAPTER

I. THE PROM-Di AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED

The Problem..... . . . . . . .
Statement of the problem. .
Importance of the study . .
The source of data. . . . .
Limitations of the study; .

Definitions of Terms Used. . .

Injm. O O O 0 O O O O O O ‘0 O O O O O O O O 0

National Collegiate Athletic Association Soccer

II. REVIWOF'H'IEIITERATURE..............

Literature on Injuries Occurring in College Soccer

III. HETHONIIIH..........
Selection of the subjects. . .
Devising of the questionnaire.
Techniques of mailing. . . . .
Percentage of returns. . . . .
Tabulation of results. . . . .
Statistical analysis of data .

IV. ANAIISISCFTHEDATA. . . . . .
Frequency of injury. . . . . .
Causesofinjury. . . . . . .
Parts of the body injured. .

PAGE

\oooooxaxzxzasmcsoxc-e-wNNNNI-JHHH

H
O

WOofinjm'y....c................

The relationship between the type of injury and the part
ofthohdyinjurod................c

The relationship between the injuries and the activities
engaged in by the injured players at the time of the
injuries. 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C O O O C

The relationship between the injuries and the injured
thOI'S'pOSitiOhS.cooeeeeeeeeeeaaae

The relationship between the injuries and the causes of
tm inauua. O O O C O O O C O O O O C O O O O O . O

Practiceandgameinjuries...............
V. SUMMARY. mMUSIONSANDRmOmiENDATIONS. . . . . . . . .
Sumry.........................
Conclusions..........'.............
Recomerdations.........p............
BIBLIOGRAPHI..........................
APPENDICES...........................

13

16

16
19
20
20
21

21

2h

um
I.
II.
III.
IV.

VII.

LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

Causesofinjuries.................. 9
Parts or t!” Md, luau” O 0 0 O O O O O O O O O O O 10

Typesofinjuries.................. ll

The relationship between the type of injuries and the
pansortbedymjlrfieaaeaeeeeeeee 12

The relationship between the injuries and the activ-
‘ ities emaged in by the injured players at the time
Of tm injln'iOSe O O O O O O O O O O O O O O I C 0 1h.

The relationship between the injuries and the injured
players'positions......cco......c17

The relationship between the injuries and the causes
oftheinjuries.................. 18

CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED

The game of soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is
becoming increasingly popular as an intercollegiate sport in the United
States. It is an activity which is comparatively inexpensive to Oper-
ate and it is not as restricted to in! ividuals with specialized physical
characteristics as may of our sports are. Soccer is a vigorous activ-
ity which can contribute much to the participant physically. mentally.
and socially. Because of the vigorous nature of soccer and the contact
which is involved there is an inherent danger of injury. There is very
little information about the injuries which occur in soccer played on
the intercollegiate level in this country. It is hoped that this thesis

will serve as a means of providing some information.

I. THE PMBLDI

W 91 the, mm. The purpose of this study is to
collect and analyze data pertainirg to the injuries which occur to the

members of soccer teams which are members of the National Collegiate

Athletic Association during the season of 1958.

W ,9: 12b. study. Although the game of soccer may con-
tribute much to the body and character of its participants. because of

its nature. injuries occur. In order to increase the benefits made by

this activity it is necessary to decrease the number of injuries that

occur as a result of participation. In order to prevent injuries from
occurring it is necessary to know what kind occur and what causes them.
It is hoped that the data found in this research may contribute infor-
mation regarding soccer injuries which may aid in the prevention of

future injuries .

In: M 91 m. The members of the soccer teams listed in

the man. MAJ. isms: am: for 1958 served as subjects in
this study. "

W 91 m am. There are some limitations to this

study.
A questionnaire was used to obtain the data and it was necessary

for the author to accept the word of the coaches that their injury

reports were accurate.

Many of the questionnaires were unret'rned an'l some were received
which were completed incorrectly. it was therefore impossible to obtain
infomtion about mny of the subjects in this study.

Players will someti-es receive injuries which are not detected
until after the game or rractice session and will be unable to recall

what caused the injuries.

II. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED

Injury. That condition of the player resulting from activity
in game or practice. recognized by the coach or trainer. which requires
medical treatnant or which forces the player to withdraw from activity

for at least on day.

Miami We. Athletic. Amman Scans:- Any same or
practice in which members of the soccer teams listed in the W

N, c, A, A. isms: Quid: for 1958 participated.

CHAPTER II
REVIEII OF THE LITERATURE

There have been many books and articles written about soccer.
This literature usually deals with skills. techniques. strategy and
conditionim. While there is some material available regarding the
injuries which occur as a result of playing the game there is little
specific information regarding the injuries which occur in collegiate
soccer in this country. -

According to Francis J. Cavanaugh.1 trainer for the 1936 u. 5.
Olympic Soccer Team "In order of frequency we have (a) sprains of the
ankle; (b) Contusions of the tibia: (c) Ligament strains and tears of
the knee joint; (d) "Charley Horse' of the quadraceps ext. group; (e)
Pulled ham string terdons; (f) Contusions and strains of the gastroc-
nemius: (g) Blister trouble: (h) ”Strawberries"; (i) Synovitis of the
knee; (j) Displaced semilunars of the knee".

Lloyd. Deaver. and Eastwood2 state that although the bodily
contact involved in soccer would give the impression that the accident
inciderce would be high that this is not trm. They list strains.
sprains. wounds and bone injuries in this order of frequency with the
majority of these injuries occurring to the leg and foot and pelvis

and thigh.

1Francis J. Cavanaugh. ”Training for Soccer". W m
Samar guida- 19lt8. p. 20.

2Frank 5. Lloyd. George G. Deaver and Floyd R. Eastwood. m
in W. New York: v.3. Saunders Company. 1936. pp. 70-72.

Soccer rates as a mildly hazardous activity according to Lloyd3.
The Statistical Bulletin of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Compare“
statesjflat "in soccer only one death on the field - from a heart attack —
has occurred in four decades”.

Although soccer in this country is practically free from fatal
accidents an! injuries which are considered very serious McDougall5
points out that repeated minor sprains of capsular attachments of the
ankle joint. ani repeated compression injuries of the capsular attach-
ments of the bones against each other when the ankle is fbrcibly dorsi-
flamed ard plantar-flexed may cause bomr out-growths which occur along
the tibial margins beneath the malleoli. especially the medial one. The
degree of trauma to the ankles. the weight of the player. and frequency
of participation affect tie age at which this traumatic arthritis appears.
In backs. who must kick with great force in order to obtain lorg kicks.
these bow out-growths are more severe. Although the modified figure
of eight bandage may prevent joint and ligament sprains. to be effective
it would interfere with function and therefore would not be practical

for soccer.

3Frsnk 5. Lloyd. MMWWMW
5.9112931.- New York: National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters.

1933. p. “9.

“Hazards in Competitive Athletics". mm mm.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Compamr. Vol. 35. June 195“. p. 3.

5A- McDouaall. "Footballer's Ankle". 11m m, (Dec. 10,
1955) . pp- 1219-1220.

CHAPTER III

METHODOIOGY

The injuries which occured‘ in N. C. A. A. soccer are beirg
surveyed in this study. This chapter will deal with the method of com-
pilirg data for the study. It deals with the selection of subjects.
devising ard mailing of the questionnaires. the tabulation of the data

and the statistical methods used in the computation of the data.

W gt m M. Each year the National Collegiate
Athletic Association publishes an 9.23mi Malia. Scam Quid:
containing the records of its member schools for the previous season.

The players of each college team listed in this publication served as

subjects for the stirly.

Raisins 9!. in Wo In order to survey each of the
one humred and sixty-nine soccer teams selected the author devised a

questionnaire on which the coaches of the teams beirg surveyed were to
record the information regarding the injuries to the players on his

team as they occurred.

W of m. When all of the subjects for this study
were selected. the name of each coach and the address of his college
were writ ten by the author on an envelOpe which contained a question-
naire. (Appendix 11) and a letter explainirg the study (apperuix a). A .

self addressed. stamped envelope was also enclosed in this envelope.

The questionnaires were sent out September. 1958. No follow up
letter was sent because the informtion pertaining to each injury was
to be recorded when it occurred.

W of mm. The total number of schools included in
the survey was 169. Forty-three colleges returned questionnaires which

were correctly completed (a 25.“; return).

W at mama. When a sufficient amount of time elapsed

after the close of the college soccer season and when questionnaires
were no longer being returned the information from each questionnaire

was tabulated .

W 9: m. The information received on the questionnaires
was tabulated and analyzed to determine (1) how frequently injuries
occur: (2) what the most frequent causes of injuries are; (3) the
parts of the body most frequently injured: (u) the types of injuries
which most frequently occur; (5) the relationship between the types
of injuries and the parts of the body injured; (6) the relationship
between the injuries and the activities engaged in by the injured
players at the time of the injuries; (7) the relationship between the
players positions and the injuries; (8) the relationship between the
injuries and the causes of the injuries; (9) if most injuries occur in
games or practice. Percentages were then ccanputed ard the informtion

was arranged into tables.

CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS OF THE DATA

This study was undertaken to collect data pertaining to the
injuries which occurred in N.C.A.A. soccer during the 1958 season. A
report of the responses from the coaches of each team to the question-
naire sent to all teams listed in the 1957 Official Soccer Guide (“3
of 169. 25.1% were returmd correctly completed)‘ is given in this
chapter.

The data was analyzed to determine: (1) how frequently injuries
occur; (2) what the most frequent causes of injuries are; (3) the parts
of the body most frequently injured: (a) the types of injuries which
most frequently occur; (5) the relationship between the types of
injuries and the parts of the body injured; (6) the relationship be-
tween the injuries and the activities engaged in by the injured players
at the time of the injuries: (7) the relationship between the players'
positions and the injuries: (8) the relationship betwwn the injuries
and the causes of the injuries; (9) if most injuries occur in games of

practi ce .

W 91 m. Forty-three colleges returned questionnaires
which were used in this study. There were 1107 soccer players who
were members of these teams. The questionnaires reported 309 injuries.
Some of these injuries may have been sustaimd by the same player.

The 1+3 teams which responded played “11 games and corducted 1335

practices. The lemth of a college soccer game played under N.C.A.A.
rules is 88 minutes and the seen length of practice reported in the
questionnaires was one hour and forty-five minutes. The total number
of minutes in which the 309 injuries occurred was 187,909. This infli-
cates that in the college soccer which was played and reported in the
questionnaires one injury occurred each 608 minutes.

The mean number of injuries per team was 7. The range was from

1 to 15.

m g: m. Table I has been constructed to show the
frequency of the various causes of injury. Seventy-eight (25.2” of
the 309 injuries reported on the que stionnaires were caused by being

TABLE I
CAUSES (F INJURIES

 

 

Cause Number
Kicked 78
Charged 35
Tackled 31
Field 28
Dangerous play 19
Tripped 12
Equ imnt 11
Obstructed 5
Other 90
Total 309

 

kicked. Thirty-five (11.373) were caused by being charged. Being tackled
accomted for 31 (10$) of the injuries. The other causes in order of

frequency were field (28). dangerous play (19). tripped (12), equip-

10

ment (ll). obstructed (5) and other (90).

One hundred and eight (58.2%) of the injuries were caused by
physical contact. Equipment and the field accounted for 39 (12.6%)
of the injuries. Some of these causes included the ball. poorly
fitting shoes. uneven ground. and the goal posts.

The ninety (29.1%) other causes include the injuries for which
no cause was reported. and such causes as straining and self-injury.

and not warlned up. Most of these injuries were strains and sprains.

I’m 9; m m m. The frequency of injury to the various
parts of the body is shown in Table II. 01' the 359 injuries. 2&5 (79.2%)

TABLE II

PARTS or THE soul INJURED

 

Part Number

 

CD

Toe

Foot
Ankle
Lower leg
Knee
Upper leg
Pelvis
Back
Chest
Shoulder
Elbow
Lower arm
'Wrist
Hand
Finger
Neck

Face
Head

$835023

\ogmxzwtmuoxs'xom

 

3%

Total

 

11

occurred below the pelvis. There were 20 (6.1%) injuries to tip face
and head. Injuries to the lower extremities are to be eXpected in a
sport in which running and kicking play such an important role. The
most frequently reported areas injured were ankle (75) . upper leg (5”).

knee (39). lower leg (37), and foot (32).

m of m. Table III sheds the types of injuries reported
on the questionnaires. or the 309 injuries :13 (36.5%) were contusions
(89) and wounds (24). Sprains (85). strains (81‘). fractures (15) and
dislocations (10) account for 194 (62.7%) of the 309 injuries. Two

head injuries were reported which were not referred to as any type.

TABIE III

TYPES OF INJURIES

 

 

 

Type Number
Contusions 89
Strains 35
Spra ins 8'4
Wounds 21+
Fractures 15
Dislocations ‘10
Unknown 2
Total 309

MWWMMEMHAIMMQIM
body injured. In Table IV the relationship between the type of injury
and the part of the body injured is shown. Fortys-seven (55.9%) of the
sprains occurred to the ankle. The knee was the other part of the body

which was usually sprained (12). Straim were most often upper leg

12

TABLE 17
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TYPES OF INJURIES
AND THE PARTS OF THE EDDY INJURED

 

 

Part Sprain Strain Dislocation Fracture Contus ion Wound
Toe 2 2 3 . 1
Foot 5 5 l3 8
Ankle 1+7 10 3 1“ 1
Lower leg 1h h 17 2
Knee 12 15 lb 7 1
Upper log 5 30 18 1
Pelvis 2 2 1
Back 1+ 3 2

Chest 3 l

Shoulder 1 2 l 2

Elbow l 2

Lowar arm 1 1

Wrist l l 2

Hand 1 1
Finger - h 2 1
Neck 1 1

Face . 1 3 h 3
Head 3 h

 

strains (30). The knee (15). lower leg (1h). ankle (10) and foot

(6) were other areas where strains frequently occurred. The great
majority of strains occurred below the pelvis (88.233) . 0f the 10 dis-
locations reported h occurred to the knee with the toe. shoulder and
firger each accountilg for 2. The number of fractures cccurrim

below the pelvis were seven. Four of these were lower leg fractures

and three were ankle fractures. Fractures to the face (3). elbow (2).
neck (1). wrist (l) and shoulder were also reported. 0f the 15 fractures
8 occurred above the waist. The majority of the 89 contusions (18)
occurred to the upper leg. The lower leg (17). ankle (lit). foot (13)

and knee (7) were other areas where contusions were likely to happen.

The areas below the pelvis were the site of 80.8 percent of all contu-
sions. There were seven contusions of the head ani face. The foot was
the part of the body where most of the wounds were reported. The
majority of these 8 foot wounds were blisters. Seven of the 21+ wounds

were in the area of the head and face.

mmmmmmmmm

in m the inland mum at in mu 9: in. inducin- Tho relationship
between the injuries ani the activities engaged in by the injured

players at the time of the injuries is shown in Table V. More injuries
occurred to players who were shooting than to those who engaged in other
activities. The most often reported injuries of the 1&9 which resulted
when a player was shooting were upper leg strains (15). knee sprains
(5). ankle sprains (5). and upper leg contusions (b). Runnilg was the
next most hazardous activity with h? injuries occurrirg to players who
were runnirg. Ankle sprains (11...), lower leg strains (6). upper leg
strains (5). and foot wounds were the most frequent injwhs sustained
by running plqers. Kicking to clear the ball was the activity 1&3
players were engaged in when they were injured. The most prevalent
injuries to these players who were clearing the ball were upper leg
strains (8). ankle sprains (6). foot contusions (it) and lower leg contu-
sions (1+) . 1" orty-two players were tackling when they were injured.
Ankle sprains (7). lower leg contusions (5). upper leg contusions (’4)
and foot contusions (3) were the majority of the injuries to running
players. There were 31 players injured while dribbling. Five of these
players suffered upper leg contusions. Ankle contusions (it) and ankle

wounds (3) were other frequently observed injuries. Thirty of the

 

 

 

TABLE V
THY RELAT,I (NEH.. B.’.EFN TIE INJIKIE¢ A33 TEE afIiT',IE€
‘ “can 1% BY THE ”T'“” PLAVERE AT'THP TItE f? INJ"RV
-ll, I-eJlIl.ll.1aw_lelIlllIIlll.lILIe,l.mlwl,,g,ggdqg4$gg
Kick: Hicks V’1u
Inhiry ‘ng irg Eng 3w“— :4 Tania Traps fend:
hit Pass Cl-sar nizg biirg ling ping ing
-ifll-,ll,.aqul1¢lleifIl “.0In,,fl,flmg,+,ggfiggaaann=
Toe sprain l l
Toe iisolocation 2
Tee contusion 3
Tee wound 1
Foot sprain l l 1
Foot strain 2. l 2 1
Foot contusion 2 3 U 3
Foot wound S 3
Ankle sprain 5 6 6 '13 D 7 2
Ankle strain 2 l 2 , 2 2
Ankle front are :1
ankle contusion 2 1: 2 e Z
Ankle tour L
Low. 19 strewn l 3 0 l 2
Low. leg fracture l l l 1
Low. -g contusion 3 Z 9 1 5
Low . is g up until I: l-
Knee sprain E 2 l 2
hnee strain 2 l 3 3 2 1 l
Knee isleoation l 1 1
Knee conhrsion l l l l l :
Knee wound 1
Up. leg sprain 2 l 1
Up. leg strain 15 8 5 l h
Up. leg “ontusion b I 1 E h l
Jp. lsg wound I
Pelvis strain 1 ’
PelVis contusicn I
Pelvis wound
Back sprain I 1 a
ask strain 1 l .L
Back ophthalon l P j
Chest strain i ~ A
Chest contusion 1
Shoulder sprain . l
Shoulder dislocation l
Shoulder fracture 1

Shoulder contusio
Eloow strain [:I

 

Elbow fracture

Low. arm sprain 1
Low. arm contusion

hr: at sprain 1

‘Wrist fracture 1

Wrist contusion

Hand Sprain

Hand wound

Finger sprain

Finger dislocation

Finger‘wound

Neck sprain

Neck fracture

Face strain

Face fracture 1
Face contusion

Face wound

Head other

Head contusion

Head

wound

Total 47 31

A—h- -—-A

 

 

 

TABLE V {cont

.. -‘—‘-

 

m. Md?‘

 

8
1
r...
. ‘
m
trio

Charge Obstrn Dangero Gateh ion F a
lnjurv ing zizting Qua C_ Throw tic
alay Goalie Goalie dri

 

 

 

 

 

Toe ,
Tee wound
Feet 3
Poet s firai n
Foot ca ntueien
Feet weunfi
Ankle apra I
Ankle strain 1
Ankle fracture 1 1
Ankie contusion
Ankle ound

Lew. leg strain
LGWo W9 8g f? anture
Law. Leg cev+urie

Fad

F'"-”

H

“Pb

LOW.
Knee
Knee
Knee
Knee
Knee

leg wound
Sprain
stra'm

d15 C'CauiQn
Centuaian
wound

‘rJ

F13

yap

:r-J

KIT;

Up. leg sprain 1
Up. le eg strain
Up. leg contusien
Up. leg wouni
Pelvis strain
Pelvis contusien
Pelvis weund

p4

HI
k.)

pa

Back
Back
Back

Sprain
strain
contusion

F$YJF4

F4

Cheat strain

Chest contusion
Shoulder aprain
Shoulder dislocation
Shoulder fracture
Shoulder contusion
Elbow strain 1
Elbow fracture 1 1

Low. arm sprain

Law. arm contusion 1

Wrist sprain

Iflrist fracture

)4

/ wrist cont ~s°en I 1
Hand sprain .
Hand weund
Finger sprain
Finger dialeeatien 2
Finger wound

aye:
*J

h)

{II-n

p4

Neck
Neck
Face
Face
Face
Face
Head
Head
Head

sprain
fracture
strai
fracture
centuaien
weund
other
contusien
weund

#1

 

A
r

Total

10 1 u 12

 

 

16

injured players were passing the ball when thq were injured. 01’ these
30 injuries there were 6 sprained ankles. h ankle contusions. 3 foot
contusions art! 3 toe contusions. The activities in which goalies were
engaged resulted in 20 injuries to goalies. Tuelve of these injuries
occurred while catching the ball. - Striking or punching ani kicking or
throwing each were activity in which it goalies were engaged at the time
of injury. Heading was the activity in which 13 players were injured.
Face (5) and head (‘0 injuries were the most frequent sustained while
heading. Two of these face injuries were fractures. No frequent
injuries occurred as a result of mgaging in chargim. practice drills.
trappim. dangerous play and obstructing. Eight of the injured players

had no activity reported for them at the time of injury.

new Datum: the mm and its. inland mam:
mm. The relationship between the injm-ies and the injured players'

positions is shown in Table VI. Host injuries occurred to center for-
wards (97) followed in order by half backs (76). out sides (55). full
backs (53) and goalies (22). The most frequent injuries occurring to
all positions. except goalies. were sprained ankles and upper leg

strains.

In: ragtime hem” the mum and the causes. at m
m. Table VII shows the relationship hemeen the injuries and

their causes. Being kicked most often resulted in contusicns of the
ankle (13) and lower leg (13). Ankle sprains were the result when 9
players were kicked. Foot contusions (6) and upper leg contusions (5)
were other frequent results of being kicked. Five of the 35 injuries

caused by chargim were upper leg contusions. Knee contusions (3) and

 

 

17

TABLE‘Vi
THE RELATIQNSHi? BEEJEEW THE lNJURIES AND

THE INJURED FLAIEES FESTTTCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:Pfll E31? A US 1d?
Injury Goalie Back Back Cutsids amfi 5.?3 Other
Toe sprain l l
Toe dislocation 1 1
Tee contusisn 1 2
Toe wound 1
Foot sprain 1 2 5 .2
Feet strain 1 2 3
Foot contusion #- b 1 @
Foot wuund l. 2 2 3
Ankl» Sprain 2 6 1% 13 ll
Ankle strain 1 3 I 5 1
Ankle fracture 2 1
Ankle contusion 1 , 3 6
Ankle wound 1
Low. leg strain 1 2 3 b 3 1
Low. leg fracture 1 1 2
Low. leg centusion 1 2 a b 6
Law. leg wound ?
Knee sprain 1 5 3 3
Knee strain 3 a 3 5
Knee dislucatien l 1 2
Knee contusion l l 3 fl
Knee wound 1
Up. leg sprain 1 2 l 1
Up. leg strain 6 W 6 10 1
Up. leg contusion l W 3 l 9
Up. leg wound l
Pelvis strain 1 l
Pelvis contusion I 1
Pelvis wourfi 1,
Back sprain l. ? 1
Back strain» 1 2
Back contusisn l l
ghest strain 2 1
Chest con usicn 1
Shoulder sprain 1
Shoulder dislocation l l
Shculder fracture l
Shoulder centusisn l 1
Elbow strain 1
Elbow fracture l 1
Low. arm sprain 1
Low. arm contusion 1
Wrist sprain 1
Wrist fracture 1
Wrist contusion 1 1
Hmflsmafix 1
Hand wound 1
Finger sprain 2 2
Finger dislecation l 1
Finger wound 1
Neck sprain 1
Neck fracture 1
Face strain 1
Face fracture 1 1 1
Face contusion l l 2
Face‘wound 1 2
Head other 1 1
Head contusion 2 1
Head wound l 2 1

—.r_ 4*‘w— - —A— —
'—

Total 22 53 76 55 97 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

magmnmc’? cm... = m-vmm' m... ‘ 2—- mum-WM“
75 3 \ == ‘ " 1» 7 "rfif .” :7“ {3 J“. m:

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:32?”
.
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Toe Sprain L
Toe dislrration i 1
Tce o ntusion T 1 1
T“£5’°“3XK{ Z. 1 1
Foot sprain F I l 1
you: strain 2 l 3
'fivot Cffitdfiiifll : 2 1 1 Z. 2
3o 1 wcund 1 2 l u
Anrle sprain Q 3 6» A 1 5 :3 10
Ankle strain a h 1
AL)“. “‘4 frat “ ‘L ‘jt‘*€; 1 2
Andie yWJlsion.1? 1
.Ankiu "rexri :
Yew. leg strain E 2 2 Z l 6
Law. is: fraet‘rs 3 l i l
{FANS :8); 'C’~t1hae if: : l 2
Law. 1 9g: wound 1 1’
knee sprain 2 3 2 S
Knee strain ? 3 Z 2 5
rhea dislocation 1 1 2
knee cantusion u ?
fines wounfi
Up. 19g strain 1 1 l 1 1
to. leg strain 5 2 Q 2 a Q 15
Up. leg cent. 5 5 1 Q l 2
Up. leg wound l
Pelvis 5*“a*n 1 1
PsiViS contusion l l
Pelvis: we mui 1
Back Sprain 1 1 Z 1
Back strain 1 1 1
Back contusion l 1

Chest strain 1 2
Chest contusion
Shoulder Sprain
Shoulder dislocation 1 1

para

Shsuijer fracture l
' Shoulder cont. 1 l

Elbow strain 1
;1bow fracture l l

2 .

, Low. arm strain

” -ow. arm contusion 1
Wrist sprain 1
Wrist fracture 1
‘Wrist contusion 1 1
Hand sprain 3
Hand wound l a 1
Finger sprain 1. L 2
Finger dislocation l 1
Finger wound 1
Neck sprain 1
Neck fracture 1
Face strain 1 fl
Face fracture l 4
Face contusion 3 2
Face wound l e ;
Head other 1 q A
Head contusion l 1 L
Head wound 1 2 1

___ ._ °_~_“_,.____._,,__.,~,_.,..........e..._...

 

 

Total 78'

 

 

 

 

19

ankle sprains also were caused by charging. Ankle sprains (6) and
strains (h) accounted for one-third of the 31 injuries which were a
result of being tackled. The injuries most often caused by dangerous
play were upper leg contusions (h). head wounds (2) upper leg contu-
sions (2) and knee strains (2). A, total «‘19 injuries were reported
as having been caused by dangerous play. The field was responsible for
28 injuries. Ankle sprains (13). upper leg strains (1»). and knee
sprains (2) and strains (2) were the injuries most frequently attributed
to the field. Twelve injuries occurred as a result of being tripped.
Four of these were ankle sprains. Equipment injuries were caused by
shoes or the ball. Four of these ll injuries were foot wounds. Five
various injuries resulted from being obstructed. Other causes. which
include the cases in which a cause was not listed on the questionnaire,
were responsible for 90 injuries. Self-injuries. strainirg and not
”warmed up“ were often listed under other causes. Injuries most often
attributed to other causes were upper leg strains (15). ankle sprains

(10). lower leg strains (6) and knee sprains (5) ard strains (5).

Bastien am am W. 0! the 309 injuries reported on the
questionnaires 138 occurred in genes and 89 occurred in practice.

Eighty-two of the injuries weren't reported on the questionnaires as

occurring in genes or pactices.

CHAPTERV

SUMMARY . CONCLUSIONS. AND WWATIONS

W

A questionnaire was formulated to study the injuries which
occurred in N.C.A.A. soccer during the 1958 season.

The comes of data was information received from 1&3 N.C.A.A.
soccer teams out of the 169 which were sent questionnaires. (a return
of 25.15). The questionnaire was designed to study (1) how frequently
injuries occur; (2) what the most frequent causes of injuries are:

(3) the parts of the body most frequently injured; (a) the types of
injuries which most frequently occur; (5) the relationship between the
types of injuries and the parts of the body injured: (6) the relation.
ship between the injuries and the activities engaged in by the injured
players at the time of the injuries: (7) the relationship betwen the
players positions and the injuries; (8) the relationship between the
injuries and the causes of the injuries; (9) if most injuries occur in
games or practices.

The findirgs of this study indicated that injuries did not occur
frequently. One injury occurred approximately every ten hours of outpo-
sure time and the mean number of injuries per teen was seven. The
majority of the 309 injuries. occurred below the pelvis (79.2%). were
caused by being kicked (25.2%) and occurred to players who were kicking
the ball (39.133). Physical contact caused 58.2% of the injuries. the

field and equipnent caused 12.6%. and 21.9% were attributed to other

21

causes. The most often reported injury was the sprained ankle (15.2”
and most of these were caused by the field (27.6%). The most frequent
types of injuries were contusions (28.8%). strains (27.5%) and sprains
(27.11).
mm

. 1. Many of the 309 injuries which occurred to the numbers of
the teams that returned questionnaires could have been prevented.
Although physical contact is not an objective of the game of soccer it
was responsible for 58.2% of the injuries. Kickirg. chargirg. tackling.
playing dargerously. obstructing and tripping were the activities which
involve physical contact. Harv of these injuries could have been pre-
vented by better supervision. better officiating. and better teaching
of skills and the ‘spirit of the game". The number of injuries caused
by the field and equipment (12.61) could have been reduced by better
fields and proper attention to the fitting of shoes an! care of the
feet. Many of the 21.9% of the injuries attributed to other causes such
as strainirg. not "warmed up' an! self injury might have been prevented
by better conditionim programs and supervised warm up periods prior to
games and practices.

2. A great number (54.6%) of the 309 injuries were the type

which may become chronic in nature. These were the strains. sprains
and dislocations. The ankle. knee and upper leg were the parts of the

body to which these injuries most often occurred.

W
1. Coaches should place much aphasia upon conditioning and the

teaching of skills. They should teach players to execute skills

22

correctly and to play with in the ”spirit of the rules". Supervised
warm up periods should precede all practice sessions and games.

2. Referees must officiate games in such a manner as to keep
dangerous an! unnecessarily rough play to a minimum. It is recomnded
that the Dual Referee System be med if at all possible.

3. Prior to the beginning of the season the field should be made
safe to play on. ard should be maintained in a safe condition throughout
the season.

a. Coaches should devote proper attention to the fittirg of shoes
ard instruct the players to take proper care of their feet. Special
care must be taken when new shoes are being broken in to avoid blisters.

5. Each team should have a Doctor or an experienced trainer who
works closely with the team. Injuries such as strains art! sprains. which
occur often and may become serious. should receive imediate medical
attent ion. Players who suffer. such injuries should be permitted to return
to competition only with the cement of a physician. All coaches should

be trained in first aid.

23

BIHJOGRAPHI

Cavanaugh. Francis J.. “Training for Soccer". 922nm LEA-L. m
m. p. 20. 19%.

"Hazards in Competitive Athletics". W m. Metropolitan
Life Insurance 00.. 3521-3. June 1951‘.

Lloyd. Frank 3.. George 0. Beaver. and Floyd R. Eastwood. m in
W. New York: H. B. Saunders Compam. 1936.

mm in mm Win mm .shmla
New York: National Bureau of Casualty an! Surety Underwriters.
1933.

McDougall. A. 'Footballers' Ankle“. The m. 2:]219-1220. Dec. 10.
1955-

 

APPENDIX A

A SR’IEY 0P INJURIES OCCURRING IN NATIONAL COUSGIATE
ENLBTIC ASSOCINI‘IOOJ SOCCER IN 1958

. Name of school

. Name of coach

. Number of players on varsity squad

 

. Number of vnrsity genes A

. Number of practices during season

.. Length of time of practices

W

INJURY: That condition of the player resulting from activity in game or practice
recognised by the coach or trainer, which necessitates medical treatment or which
forces the player to withdraw from activity for at least one day.

RREA
e

ligament

9 e
SPEC 10

f-
an 13
over
knee

6
PG 8
Use

ne

Che: st
shou dor

er arm

lest

he
{ nger

   

Check (9') the information which applies to each injury as it occurs.

 

d
f

wound

ACTIVITY SN '

c n 8

c 88“

c n OPP
n

i

n

obstruct

Pd

\JHEN AND WHERE THE
Y L

p
a

PT} 9?

December

1'8 69

ensive ht f of f 91
9.9 vs v
TRED 4

Full Back
c

 

Please return this questionnaire at the close of your season to:
Donald F. Whiter.Jr.

9353 Cherry Lane -
idchigan state university

 

APPENDIX B

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

OF AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED SCIENCE 0 EAST LANSING

 

DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Deer Soccer Coach:

I an conducting a survey of the injuries occurring in National Collegiate
Athletic Association soccer in 1958 in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the drgree of banter of Arts, Department of Health Physical fiducstion and
Recreation, richigen State University.

The questionnaire has been constructed so as to make the task of answering
as easy on possible. Blesse fill in the information at the beginning of the
survey. :hen an injury occurs place a check mark in all of the blocks which
apply to that injury. The first injury will be checked in column one. the
second injury in column two. and so on. any information which might apply to
an injury which is not included in the survey ney be written in the blank
spaces. Neither you nor your school will be identified in this study.

There is little information about the injuries nhich occur in intercollegiot

soccer in this country. Through this survey I hope to obtain this information.

Please aid me and your profession by answerin the enclosed questionnaire,
recording the information about injuries as t ey occur, and returning it at

the close of your season. You will find a self addressed, stsnped envelope
enclosed.

Thank you for your help and cooperation. Best wishes fer a successful
end injury-free season.

Sincerely yours,
it>crvuLAQJ.JKARLAflthlfipS27.

Donald F. Lsfll‘arg Jr.

f. f It; art»; 1.. (h L‘s-12' ‘- . r~