Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – KV Mechelen mandatory helmets for goalkeepers aged U8 to U16 to prevent serious head injuries, following Racing Genk’s lead. Spokesman Gert Van Dyck emphasises player safety amid rising concussion concerns in sports.
KV Mechelen has decided to make goalkeepers wear helmets to help prevent serious head injuries. They mentioned that these injuries are rare but can be very serious. The club expressed that goalkeepers often dive to the ball or collide with other players, resulting in hits on the head, and the club wants to try to reduce chances of concussion occurrences.
We don’t often have accidents where our goalkeepers hurt their heads. But when it does happen, it’s often serious. The helmet for goalkeepers is a simple measure to prevent that,
says Gert Van Dyck, spokesman for KV Mechelen.
How Will KV Mechelen’s Helmet Mandate Impact Goalkeeper Safety?
The decision to have goalkeepers wear helmets was influenced by Racing Genk, which started this practice a few months ago. KV Mechelen saw the benefits of this change and decided to follow this. They believe that a small change in equipment can greatly improve player safety.
According to Gert Van Dyck, Belgian football is now getting more serious regarding long-term head injuries in case of player injuries. Other sports, such as rugby and American football, are also getting started with protective gear and stricter rules about concussion incidents. He stated that the introduction of helmets for goalkeepers at KV Mechelen is focus on player safety.
Gert Van Dyck said: “Racing Genk already made the decision a few months ago. We thought it was a very good idea and that’s why we’re following their example.”
According to goalkeeper coach Stef Pauwels, “KV Mechelen has set up a mandatory policy for goalkeepers between the ages of U8 and U16 to wear helmets during training sessions and competition. The club is buying the helmets so that every young goalkeeper will have the proper equipment.”
He mentioned that this decision is based on the understanding that goalkeepers are more likely to get head injuries because of their position. They often dive at players’ feet or get into physical confrontations, which can lead to collisions and accidental hits to the head. While players in other positions do not have to wear helmets, the club believes this measure will greatly reduce the risk of serious injuries for young goalkeepers.
A goalkeeper often has to dive for the feet or often gets into a duel. That increases the risk of injury,
says Stef Pauwels.
The helmets for goalkeepers are not meant to stop injuries from heading the ball. Stef Pauwels said that the helmets help in some situations but are not designed for heading. They might even be uncomfortable or cause more pain.
To keep players safe, Voetbal Vlaanderen has made a rule that players under 9 cannot head the ball. This rule started this season to protect young kids from brain injuries. Voetbal Vlaanderen mentioned that the use of helmets for goalkeepers and the ban on heading shows that there is more focus on keeping young footballers safe.
Look at cycling: you can’t imagine cycling without a helmet there either.
Gert Van Dyck
What are the implications of KV Mechelen’s helmet policy for goalkeepers?
KV Mechelen’s decision to require helmets for young goalkeepers is not new. Some professional goalkeepers have worn helmets after serious head injuries. Sammy Bossut wore a helmet while playing for Zulte Waregem. Petr Čech wore one during his entire career at Chelsea and Arsenal after a serious skull injury in 2006.
According to the club, their cases show the risks that goalkeepers face. They also show that wearing a helmet does not affect how they play. By making helmets common for young players, KV Mechelen hopes to make this protective gear accepted in professional football. This could help keep players safer on the field.
The club believes that if young players get used to wearing helmets, they might continue to wear them as they move to older teams. Gert Van Dyck compared this change to cycling. He mentioned that in the past, cyclists did not wear helmets, but now it is hard to imagine riding without one.
According to Gert Van Dyck, other sports, like rugby and American football, have also started using helmets over time. At first, people were unsure about them, but now they are common. He mentioned that if more clubs follow KV Mechelen’s example, goalkeeper helmets could become a regular part of football, like shin guards or gloves.
If young players get used to playing with it, they might continue to wear that helmet. Also, look at cycling. In the past, cyclists also rode without a helmet. You can’t imagine that now,
Van Dyck adds.
