| Sumario: | Objective: To examine key characteristics of injuries to amateur community football players between the ages of 7 and 19 years in the greater Ottawa [Canada] region. This study also served as a concept pilot framework for developing a national injury surveillance program. Subjects and Methods: Prospective study of 650 football players from 12 amateur football clubs. The study group, representing 36% of registered players, was divided into those who were injured (n=207) and those who were injury-free. Injured players incurred 223 injuries during the 2005 season. Two grouping variables, level of play and player position, were examined on 5 outcome variables: injury type, injury severity, player outcome, and gross and detailed anatomical site of the injury. Statistically significant differences were determined using either the chi-square ([chi]²) or Median test, where appropriate. Results: Proportional differences in level of play were detected for several outcome measures. Median injury severity was mild for Mosquito/Peewee players compared to Tykes or Midget/Bantams (moderate). Differences in injured anatomy distinguished Tykes from older players. Tykes were likely to develop injuries of the back, cervical spine, and upper extremities, while ankle, knee, and shoulder injuries were common to older players. Player position revealed no significant differences. Discussion: Injury assessment rather than diagnosis was emphasized as a result of access restrictions to medical professionals. The age ranges are as follows: Tyke, 7 to 10 years; Mosquito, 10 to 12; Peewee, 12-14; Bantam, 14-16; Midget, 16-19. Mosquito-Peewee players experienced a larger percentage of mild injuries. A higher relative occurrence of back/spine injuries was observed in Tyke players and this was localized to the cervical region of the spine. Methodological limitations included an absence of player positions being reported by Peewee trainers, and fewer trainers involved in the study at the Tyke level. Injury definition and classification remain methodological weaknesses and require standardization. Conclusions: There were no injury data available for community-based contact football in Canada. Literature review revealed an absence of prospective methodologies for evaluating risk factors and crafting prevention plans for pediatric sports injury. This report summarizes key aspects of injuries among the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA) players during the 2005 season and tests the feasibility of a conceptual framework for creating an injury surveillance program aimed at tracking incidence and prevalence of injuries in amateur-community sport. The salient finding of this prospective study points to an increased risk of potentially catastrophic injuries among the youngest players in the league. Though the relative incidence of injuries among these players was substantially lower, they were more serious (cervical spine and back). We present an evidence-based rationale for modifying training programs and coaching techniques. Recommendations: Encourage pediatric epidemiological sports injury research and methodological improvements to the youth/pediatric literature search at the community level in Canada. Adhere to standards in sports injury data collection. Advocate for group training among trainers and coaches to provide each association's trainer group with explanation of injury report form fields to ensure that consistent injury assessment guidelines are followed. Draft enforceable policy and guidelines for determining safe return to play (RTP). Ensure full participation from team trainers. Develop and implement a national injury reporting system at the community-based football level across Canada as a prototype for expansion to other amateur sports. Investigate the salient findings concerning cervical and upper-extremity injuries to the youngest of players.
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