The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially stated that the match between Angel City and the Utah Royals should have been halted following the on-field collapse of Angel City player Savy King. This decision comes after an internal review and discussions with various stakeholders, highlighting a renewed focus on player safety within the league.
King’s collapse, which occurred around the 74th minute of the game, led to a 16-minute delay. While King received immediate medical attention and was transported to a local hospital, the decision to resume the game sparked widespread criticism from players, coaches, and fans alike. This incident has prompted the NWSL to re-evaluate its protocols for handling serious medical emergencies during matches.
This article delves into the details surrounding King’s collapse, the NWSL’s response, the reactions from the NWSL Players Association, and the broader implications for player safety in professional sports. It will also examine the revised protocols and future measures the league plans to implement to prevent similar situations from occurring.
Savy King’s Collapse and the On-Field Response
During the match between Angel City and the Utah Royals, Savy King collapsed on the field, causing immediate concern among players, coaches, and fans. The game was halted for approximately 16 minutes while medical personnel attended to King. She was then carted off the field and taken to California Hospital Medical Center for further evaluation.
Initial reports indicated that King was alert and responsive while being transported. Angel City later confirmed that she had been transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for additional tests. The team described her prognosis as “excellent,” which brought a sense of relief to the NWSL community.
However, the decision to resume the game after such a significant medical event raised questions about the league’s priorities. Utah head coach Jimmy Coenraets expressed his uncertainty about continuing the match, and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) voiced strong opposition, stating that the game should have been abandoned.
NWSL Admits Error in Continuing the Game
Following a thorough review of its protocols and after listening to feedback from stakeholders, the NWSL acknowledged that the Angel City vs. Utah game should not have continued. A league spokesperson confirmed this conclusion to The Athletic, emphasizing that the health and well-being of the NWSL community are paramount.
"Having reviewed our protocols and how they were implemented, and in listening to feedback from our stakeholders, the Angel City vs Utah game last Friday night should not have continued and we regret that it did,” the NWSL spokesperson stated. “The health and well-being of the entire NWSL community remains our top priority, and in any similar situation going forward the game should and would be abandoned.”
This admission marks a significant step towards prioritizing player safety and recognizing the emotional and psychological impact such incidents can have on athletes. The league’s commitment to abandoning games in similar situations in the future signals a proactive approach to handling medical emergencies.
NWSL Players Association’s Strong Stance
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) played a crucial role in advocating for player safety following King’s collapse. The association released a statement emphasizing the need for humanity, sound judgment, and restraint in such situations. They argued that any medical emergency requiring life-saving care should immediately halt the game.
“These moments demand humanity, sound judgment and restraint,” the Players Association said in its statement. “Any medical emergency that requires the administration of life-saving care should bring play to an end. The match should not have continued.
The NWSLPA further highlighted that while their members are elite athletes capable of performing under immense pressure, they should not be subjected to conditions that compromise their well-being. The association’s strong stance underscores the importance of prioritizing player health over competitive demands.
League’s Review of Medical Incident Protocols
The NWSL announced that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of its protocols for dealing with serious medical incidents on the field. Internal policies seen by The Athletic reveal that the league has the final say in deciding whether to continue play after major incidents, whether medical, weather-related, or otherwise.
Commissioner Jessica Berman holds the ultimate authority to overrule any protocol to make a final decision. This centralized control aims to ensure consistency and informed decision-making in critical situations. The review seeks to identify areas for improvement and to establish clearer guidelines for handling medical emergencies.
The outcome of this review is expected to bring about significant changes in how the NWSL addresses player safety. It will likely include more detailed protocols for assessing medical situations, communicating with medical personnel, and making informed decisions about continuing or abandoning games.
Commitment to Player Safety: A Meaningful Step Forward
In response to the NWSL’s conclusion, the NWSLPA released another statement acknowledging the league’s commitment to adopting a protocol for abandoning games in similar situations in the future. The Players Association views this as a significant step forward, made possible by the strength and unity of its members.
“The League’s acknowledgement that the game should have ended — and its commitment to adopting this protocol for the future, should it ever be needed — represents a meaningful step forward. It’s a change made possible by the strength and unity of our players,” the NWSLPA stated.
The Players Association emphasized that player safety is not just a slogan but a practice that requires continuous effort and vigilance. The NWSL’s willingness to listen and respond to the concerns of its players signals a positive shift in the league’s approach to player welfare.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Player Well-being in the NWSL
The NWSL’s admission that the Angel City vs. Utah Royals game should have been stopped after Savy King’s collapse marks a pivotal moment for the league. It underscores the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being above all else. The incident has prompted a comprehensive review of existing protocols and a commitment to implementing stricter guidelines for handling medical emergencies.
The strong advocacy of the NWSL Players Association played a crucial role in bringing about this change. Their insistence on humanity, sound judgment, and restraint has helped to reshape the league’s approach to player welfare. The NWSL’s willingness to listen and respond to these concerns demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to protect athletes from unnecessary risks.
Moving forward, the NWSL must continue to prioritize player safety. This includes investing in comprehensive medical support, establishing clear and transparent protocols, and fostering a culture of open communication between players, coaches, and league officials. By doing so, the NWSL can ensure that its athletes are not only able to compete at the highest level but also protected from harm.
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