Player Health & Safety
Table of Contents/Certification Form
CLUB COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION
No later than August 15th of each year, the President or DOC of each member club must sign and return to NorCal Premier the Compliance Certification form indicating the member club is in full compliance with the requirements of AB-2007, AB-379 and AB-506, is aware of all US Soccer health and safety guidelines, and has read the NorCal Premier Handbook.
2025/26 FORM (available Aug 1)
Each NorCal club is ultimately responsible for its players’ health and safety and should have a clear action plan in case of injuries. US Soccer has laid out guidelines for clubs, along with resources (listed below). Clubs that fail to act in the best interests of their players’ health and safety will be ultimately liable for their actions.
Head Injury & Sudden Cardiac Arrest (CA Laws AB-2007 & AB-379)
In December 2015, US Soccer released information about its Recognize to Recover Campaign, which aims to promote safe play and reduce injuries in soccer players of all ages. The program, which is the first of its kind, 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.
In January 2017, California State Law AB-2007 took effect, outlining several requirements for youth sports organizations regarding head injuries and concussions. In January 2020, California State Law AB-379 added provisions to the concussion protocol law aimed at addressing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) symptoms in youth athletes.
RESPONSIBILITY OF CLUBS
Per Youth Sports Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Protocols, as outlined by AB-379, each member club shall implement its own club policy consistent with the following provisions and comply with such provisions:
Athlete Removal/Return to Play –
- An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury, or who has passed out or fainted, in an athletic activity shall be immediately removed from the athletic activity for the remainder of the day, and shall not be permitted to return to any athletic activity until a licensed healthcare provider evaluates the athlete. The athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity until the athlete receives written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider to return to athletic activity. Suppose the licensed healthcare provider determines that the athlete sustained a concussion or other head injury. In that case, the athlete shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
- Suppose the licensed healthcare provider suspects that the athlete has a cardiac condition that puts the athlete at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or other heart-related issues. In that case, the athlete shall remain under the care of the licensed healthcare provider to pursue follow-up testing until the athlete is cleared to play.
- Suppose an athlete who is 17 years of age or younger has been removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion or due to fainting or another suspected cardiac condition. In that case, the youth sports organization shall notify a parent or guardian of that athlete of the time and date of the injury, the symptoms observed, and any treatment provided to that athlete for the injury.
Documentation –
- The youth sports organization shall give each athlete a concussion and head injury information sheet and a sudden cardiac arrest information sheet on a yearly basis. The information sheet shall be signed and returned by the athlete and, if the athlete is 17 years of age or younger, signed by the athlete’s parent or guardian before the athlete initiates practice or competition.
- If the athlete is six or younger, only the signature of the athlete’s parent or guardian shall be required to comply with this paragraph. If the athlete is 18 or older, only the athlete’s signature shall be required to comply with this paragraph.
- The information sheet may be sent and returned electronically, including fax or electronic mail.
Training –
- On a yearly basis, the youth sports organization shall offer concussion, head injury, and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education, related educational materials, or both to each coach, administrator, and referee, umpire, or other game official of the youth sports organization.
- The youth sports organization shall require both of the following:
- Each coach, administrator, referee, umpire, or other game official of the youth sports organization shall be required to complete the concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education at least once, either online or in person, before supervising an athlete in an activity of the youth sports organization.
- The youth sports organization shall post related information online, or provide educational materials to athletes and parents, or both.
Compliance –
- The youth sports organization shall identify both of the following:
- Procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements for providing concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education and a concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention information sheet.
- Procedures to ensure compliance with the athlete removal provisions and the return-to-play protocol.
FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR CLUBS (Definitions)
- “Concussion and head injury education and educational materials” and a “concussion and head injury information sheet” shall, at a minimum, include information relating to all of the following:
- Head injuries and their potential consequences.
- The signs and symptoms of a concussion.
- Best practices for the removal of an athlete from an athletic activity after a suspected concussion.
- Steps for returning an athlete to school and athletic activity after a concussion or head injury.
- “Licensed healthcare provider” means either of the following:
- A licensed healthcare provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and is acting within the scope of the provider’s practice for evaluation and management of concussions or other head injuries.
- A licensed healthcare provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of cardiac conditions and is acting within the scope of that provider’s practice for evaluation and management of sudden cardiac arrest, fainting, and shortness of breath.
- “Sudden cardiac arrest prevention education and educational materials” and a “sudden cardiac arrest information sheet” shall, at a minimum, include information relating to all of the following:
- Cardiac conditions and their potential consequences.
- The signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Best practices for removal of an athlete from an athletic activity after fainting or a suspected cardiac condition is observed.
- Steps for returning an athlete to athletic activity after the athlete faints or experiences a cardiac condition.
- What to do in the event of a cardiac emergency: this shall include calling 911, performing hands-only CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) if it is available.
- “Youth sports organization” means an organization, business, nonprofit entity, or a local governmental agency that sponsors or conducts amateur sports competitions, training, camps, or clubs in which persons 17 years of age or younger participate.
US Soccer Recognize to Recover Homepage – Head and Brain Conditions
US Soccer Recognize to Recover Homepage – Cardiac Conditions
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Heads Up Concussions in Youth Sport
Player Equipment
Players must not use equipment or wear anything dangerous to themselves or another player.
- Casts –
Orthopedic (hard) casts, air splints, or metal splints may not be worn. At the referee’s discretion, players can play in a soft cast. - Jewelry –
No jewelry may be worn while participating in NorCal games, including rings, chains, watches, hair clips, bobby pins, earrings, bracelets, rubber bracelets, or excessively long fingernails. Only Medical Alert Warning Bracelets may be worn and taped to secure them to the Player’s body. Earrings and other piercings cannot be taped and must be removed. - Shin Guards –
All Players are required to wear shin guards at all times. They must be properly worn, professionally manufactured, and unaltered. Socks must completely cover the shin guards. Players/ parents/ guardians are responsible for the size and suitability of player shin guards. - Braces (e.g., knee, elbow) –
For the safety of the Player, it is strongly recommended that a Player does not wear a brace during NorCal games. Braces are allowed as long as the Referee decides that the brace will not or cannot hurt the Player wearing the brace or any other Player. All metal, metal-like, or plastic brace supports are to be adequately covered for the duration of the match. Elastic-type supports without metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, or similar devices are permitted, provided the Referee does not deem the support potentially harmful to other Players. - Eyeglasses –
Players who must wear eyeglasses are encouraged to wear sports goggles. Lenses and frames must be unbreakable plastic or sturdy metal.
Air Quality
Air quality guidance for sports involves monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and adjusting activities accordingly to protect athletes from the effects of poor air quality.
AQI Guidelines –
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool that measures the amount of air pollution in a specific area. It provides a scale from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating poorer air quality.
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are considered sensitive to poor air quality.
- 100 or Higher: Consider removing sensitive athletes from outdoor activities and closely monitor all athletes for respiratory issues.
- 150 or Higher: Shorten and reduce the intensity of outdoor activities for all athletes, and move sensitive athletes indoors.
- 200 or Higher: Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors, and avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion.
- 300 or Higher: Move all outdoor activities indoors or cancel them if moving indoors is not possible.
Excessive Heat
To keep athletes safe during hot weather, it’s crucial to prioritize prevention through heat acclimatization, hydration, and modifications to practice and competition. Monitor the heat index, take frequent water breaks, and adjust practice intensity and duration.
- Gradually increase activity in the heat over 7-10 days to allow the body to adjust.
- This involves progressively increasing the duration and intensity of workouts in warmer conditions.
- Encourage athletes to arrive at practices/games well-hydrated.
- Provide unlimited access to water and sports drinks.
- Offer frequent water breaks, ideally every 15-20 minutes in the shade if available, and allow enough time for athletes to drink adequate amounts.
- Consider weighing athletes before and after practice to assess fluid loss and ensure adequate rehydration before the next session.
- To determine the level of risk, use the Heat Index (a measure of how hot it feels to the human body due to heat and humidity).
- The National Weather Service provides a Heat Index Chart to assess the “real feel” of outdoor temperatures.
- Follow weather advisories and be prepared to modify or cancel activities when the Heat Index is high.
- Intensity: Reduce the intensity of practice, especially when the Heat Index is high.
- Duration: Shorten practice sessions or competitions.
- Breaks: Provide more frequent rest periods, especially in shaded areas.
- Timing: Schedule practices and competitions at cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Shade: Ensure access to shaded areas for breaks and rest.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: If possible, move practices indoors or into air-conditioned spaces, and cancel outdoor practices if conditions are too extreme.
- Move to a cool area: Move the athlete to a shaded area or an air-conditioned room if available.
- Remove clothing and equipment: Remove unnecessary clothing and equipment.
- Elevate legs: Lay the athlete on their back with legs elevated to help with circulation.
- Cooling techniques: Apply ice-water-soaked towels to the head and legs, use ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groins, and, if available, consider an ice bath.
- Hydration: Offer fluids if the athlete can tolerate them.
az
- Monitor for symptoms of heat illness: Look for signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other heat-related illnesses.
- Stop activity if athletes feel unwell: If an athlete feels faint, weak, dizzy, nauseous, or has other symptoms, stop activity and seek medical attention.
- Postpone or cancel activities: If the Heat Index reaches a dangerous level (e.g., 105°F or higher), consider postponing or canceling outdoor activities.
