These recommendations, with an emphasis on player safety, come in consultation with the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee.

Plymouth Meeting—August 30, 2018—Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has announced Player Performance guidelines and resources, with an emphasis on player safety, for the start of the 2018-19 season. The initiative was put forth by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Medical Advisory Committee with consultation from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Director of Soccer Development & Performance Gary Stephenson.
 
“Part of the coaching philosophy of U.S. Soccer is to establish and maintain a strong performance environment,” Stephenson said. “Player safety is a big part of that. We feel that by providing these resources to coaches and club officials, they can best serve their players and families.”
 
The state association recommends member organizations implement these guidelines going forward.

“Ensuring player safety has always been a large part of the mission for the promotion of youth soccer in eastern Pennsylvania,” Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Kevin Freedman, M.D., said. “This year, the Medical Advisory Committee is enhancing its resources and recommendations to all of the clubs, coaches, players and parents throughout eastern Pennsylvania.”
 
The Player Performance recommendations and guidelines include:

• Appointment of a Club Safety Officer
• Establishment of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Coaches toolkit for player safety
• Safe return to play following concussion protocols
• First aid essentials
• Medical history information
• Heat, lighting and goal safety

The above resources and information, in addition to U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover, can be found at EPYSA.org/player_performance.