Risk management among soccer players in Aligarh City: A cross-sectional quantitative analysis

Abstract

Soccer in Aligarh is not just a game; rather it’s a passion that palpitates throughout the city. However, when risks are concerned, the game displays an intimidating picture. A critical soccer injury may end the professional career of the player. Thus, the present study aimed to explore and dissect the multifaceted landscapes of risks associated with the soccer players in Aligarh region and to suggest appropriate measures for mitigating those risks. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey research methodology for this study. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 50 male soccer players (25 each from two institutions of high repute) from the Aligarh region. The researcher followed proper inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the players' timespan at their clubs forming their maturity and awareness. A questionnaire was personally administered to the selected participants by the researcher. Data analysis was done using the t-test. The study results showed a significant difference in the mean values of all the items classed into four sections of the questionnaire with P< 0.05. Furthermore, study findings revealed that bumpy ground and hard surfaces are the major causes of injuries among all the causes related to playing surface area. Lower back injuries are the most common injuries among soccer players, followed by Knee and ankle injuries. Study conclusions revealed a lack of proper risk management plans in both institutions. Even after the availability of certified coaches, modern scientific training was neglected. Improper maintenance of equipment, low-par standard of playing ground, lack of proper medical check-ups, first-aid and medical emergency, and unavailability of sports medicine experts together constitute an external risk factors. Moreover, the study also unveiled some personal risk factors, such as lack of use of safety equipment, nutritional knowledge, and proper hydration.