The Development Academy believes in player safety and reducing the amount of injuries soccer players sustain. To help create a safe environment for all players, the DA has implemented safety standards including the presence of a medically certified trainer at every game, the Recognize to Recover program, and safety guidelines all clubs are required to follow. | ![]() |
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U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMY Every Academy player is covered by secondary insurance for Academy related injuries. If you are a parent or administrator, plaease read the policy and filing instructions below. Teams are responsible for assisting parents in filing claims with the Development Academy.
2019-2020 DA Insurance Filing Instructions
Claims and additional questions can be sent
to |
A reference for coaches, referees, and players for training in warmer climates. Additionally, the guidelines serve as a guide for game play, hydration breaks, and participant safety during extreme temperature conditions. More information on the guidelines can be found here.
A reference for coaches, referees, and players for training in colder climates. Additionally, the guidelines serve as a guide for game play and participation safety during extreme temperature conditions. More information on the guidelines can be found here.
Recognize to Recover is aimed at promoting safe play and reducing injuries in soccer players of all ages. The first-of-its-kind, the program was developed with the the help of medical experts to provide coaches, players, parents and referees with information, guidance and additional educational materials to improve the prevention and management of injuries. | ![]() |
Learn more about the R2R program. |
As the science of evaluating and managing concussions has advanced, key findings emphasize the need for education of players, families, coaches, medical staff and the general public on the signs and symptoms of concussion. There is also a critical need for early identification and proper management of a concussion.
The goal of the U.S. Soccer Concussion Management Program is to provide state-of-the-art education and management of concussions among Development Academy and National Team players. The program includes pre-injury baseline testing with comprehensive post-injury follow up evaluations and return to play protocol.
At the core of the program is a network of sports
neuropsychologists who will serve as referral sources for post-injury evaluations and provide team medical staff with important information about a player's post-injury neurocognitive
status.
For more information, review the Head & Brain Conditions page of Reocognize to Recover.
DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY CONCUSSION TESTING AND MANAGEMENT PROCESS
ImPact is the Concussion Management Program that
the U.S. Soccer Federation uses for all of the National Teams and in the Development Academy. All players complete the baseline test before the start of the first game in the season. The baseline
test can be administrered on the ImPact website.
It is important to establish a relationship with
a sports physician neuropsychologist who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussion. Find a Sports Neuropsychologist near you.
Concussion Testing
Concussion Protocol
Immediately remove an athlete from participation in training or games if concussion is suspected. If a player sustains a concussion, they must follow the U.S. Soccer Federation Development Academy Return to Play Protocol (RTP). This process must me managed by the team's Athletic Trainer and a Physician. The Return to Play Protocol can be found here. Consult a healthcare professional for final clearance.
RESOURCES
Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical force.