The Health Council advises new rules for sports to limit repeated head contact. Athletes who are regularly hit in the head have a greater risk of dementia and other brain diseases.
The council specifically mentions soccer players, martial artists, and rugby players as athletes who regularly hit the ball, a teammate, or an opponent with their head. The Health Council calls for extra attention to repeated head contact in children, because they are more vulnerable to brain injury.
According to the Health Council, a single blow to the head can already lead to a concussion or other brain injury. In the long term, the consequences can be much greater, especially if head contact occurs more often.
A professional soccer player runs two to three times the risk of dementia, the council says. Head contact may also lead to Parkinson’s disease or the nerve disease ALS.
The council advises changing the rules of the game. For example, in soccer, headers at high speed can be avoided or lighter training balls can be used. The Dutch Sports Council will come with recommendations for the government, sports associations and athletes at the end of the summer.