Summary of Article
The article “Do women soccer players have more concussions?” is authored by two scholars, McLeod and Peek, and addresses a controversial issue in sports. McLeod & Peek (2023) introduce their article by illustrating that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has recruited more women than in the last three years. This is a progressive move in the soccer industry, as this idea supports the global plan for women’s empowerment and inclusivity. However, with this increase, women have recorded significant injuries, including concussions to the head, resulting in significant health consequences (McLeod & Peek, 2023). The authors intend to uncover why women are more prone to suffering from concussions than their male counterparts.
In the subsequent paragraphs, the authors define and explore the different aspects of a concussion. The authors illustrate that the causes of concussions among women have been biologically defined through different natural principles (McLeod & Peek, 2023). One theory is that women’s neck muscles are weaker than men’s, increasing their risk of suffering a concussion. Another projection is that hormonal imbalance during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can lead to injuries due to declines in estrogen and progesterone (McLeod & Peek, 2023). All these make women more susceptible to head injuries in the sporting world.
Various strategies can be employed to avoid concussions during play. One of the recommendations from McLeod & Peek (2023) is for football coaches to select fewer players and set smaller goals to reduce the number of balls in the air. Another proposal is for women to consider playing out from behind to reduce the impact force that causes injuries(McLeod & Peek, 2023). Neck exercises are also crucial for ensuring that women understand injury-prevention techniques. In addition, enforcing red cards can deliberately reduce injury rates, as players will be more careful when playing.
Personal Opinion
The concern raised in the journal that women are more prone to injuries when engaging in soccer games than their counterparts is justified. My opinion is that women are more disadvantaged due to their anatomical composition. However, some measures can be taken to reduce injuries while enhancing performance. Biologically, the absence of the testosterone hormone is associated with less dense bones and muscles in women (McLeod & Peek, 2023). These aspects combined make the body prone to injuries, especially when women engage in activities that cause significant impact.
Failing to train to head the ball can also result in concussions due to the lack of skills in maintaining accurate balance. The authors note that weak neck muscles increase the risk of head weakness (McLeod & Peek, 2023). This is an accurate depiction of sports without training, which is a catalyst for injuries (McLeod & Peek, 2023). The reason is that an individual cannot become a professional athlete without proper training. Therefore, women’s soccer training should include all the techniques used in the sport.
The proposed strategies to curb head accidents are practical and implementable. However, some strategies may not be changed, considering some causes are biological. For instance, weaker bones and body muscles may not be transformed. The reason is that this may breach soccer ethics by introducing issues such as the use of steroids to boost athletic performance, which is unethical. However, proactive measures, including the red card policy, may help deter aggressive play and prevent injuries (McLeod & Peek, 2023). Overall, the article provides essential details on why women are prone to injuries and strategic plans to prevent such occurrences.
Reference
Mcleod, S. & Peek, K. (2023). Do women soccer players have more concussions? This World Cup and beyond, here’s how to keep our players safe. The Conversation, 1-3.