Player Safety

COVID-19 Safety & Air Quality Index:

Pacifica United  Soccer Club player safety is our first priority. We follow the guidance of the Norcal League which follows local county public health guidance. For more information review this guidance here.

General Safety Practices:

At Pacifica United  Soccer Club player safety is our first priority. All members of the Pacifica United coaching staff are required to pass the Sideline Sports Doc Injury Prevention exam which includes best practices for assessing injuries including those to the knee, ankle, neck, and head. Our coaches understand that if they have any suspicion whatsoever that a player received trauma to the head, they must immediately remove the player from competition/ practice and wait for the clearance of a doctor. PUSC coaches will err on the side of caution when it pertains to any head-related injury.


To address recent continuations in concussion research, PUSC will adhere to the US Soccer recommendations to eliminate heading from games and practices until U11 and will severely limit the practice of heading at the U11-U13 age-groups. Coaches will use only careful and approved measures to teach proper heading technique at the appropriate ages.


Please read the following concussion documents to educate yourself on the best way to care for your child’s safety:

CCSL Coast/ Bay Rules for Heading

No heading for players 12 years old and younger in games.

Abide by U.S. Soccer recommendations for heading in practice (heading training for players age 11 to 13 years of age should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15 to 20 headers per player per week).

When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. However, if a player deliberately heads a ball within their goal area, the indirect free kick by the attacking team should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

See complete guidance here.

 

NPL / NORCAL Rules for Heading

No heading policy for all U11 and younger age groups

A “no re-entry” policy for players who are removed from a game due to a suspected head injury

NPL substitution rules to allow for the evaluation of head injuries

When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.  If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area (6 yard box), the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

See complete guidance here.