FOOTBALL ACCIDENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19065, 10 January 1924, Page 5

FOOTBALL ACCIDENTS.

HOW THEY MAY BE AVOIDED. Although the football season has only just begun, a number of more or less serious accidents have already occurred, stated a sporting doctor in the Daily Mail of September 12. One of the most important causes of such accidents is that the young- player, desirous of making his place assured in tho first team is tempted to perform feats winch are beyond his capabilities; in his anxiety to impress both his committee and the crowd of excited spectators he attempts too much. Another factor which accounts for a good many accidents is that as a consequence o±' the “lay-off” during the summer months it often happens that the muscles of the young player are not sufficiently supple for him to face the rigours of the game. In other words, his sinews are atonic and require at least three or four weeks in order to attain the tonus necessary for the various and varied movements incidental to such a strenuous game as football. Then, too, the plaudits and frequent outspoken comments of the spectators tend to create a false atmosphere of excitement among the players themselves. Although it may be, suggested that some of these factors apply during the whole of the season, they are not so apparent and obtrusive when- tho teams have settled down to the winter’s work. The young player gradually gets into training, his nerves become altogether more calm, and his movements are more automatic and less laboured. Nov/ this subject is of interest and importance both to clubs and players. During the first week of last season, I attended professionally several well-known footballers whoso clubs were deprived of their services for the remainder of tho football playing period. In each case lam convinced that this serious loss to the serength of their respective teams could have been prevented bad the player been in that physical and mental condition of fitness which, apart from accidents, a man achieves later on. It cannot be too plainly stated that a player has a duty to perform both to himeelf and to his club. It should be his constant aim. to keep alert and physically fit during the whole of the summer months. On the other hand, football club committees should remember that they are dealing with men who, by reason of their occupations, are in some instance hypersensitive to criticism. When a promising youngster is “carpeted” and his faults are overemphasised, he is apt to become nervous; while, on the other hand, if he were given a little encouragement, he might do himself justice. For there is no stimulant to effort more potent than for a footballer to realise that he enjoys the confidence of his club committee and its supporters.