Indoor soccer balls are no longer being used at the Student Recreation Center and the threat exists that the sport maybe eliminated completely following a woman's injury she sustained while walking around the upper track.

For the past month and a half, soccer players at the SRC have been prohibited from playing with the usual indoor soccer balls for anything other than intramural matches.

This resulted after an SRC patron was struck by a soccer ball in the face while exercising around the upper track, causing her glasses to break and scratch her face.

According to Ruth Olsen, the SRC coordinator, soccer balls flying to the upper track of the SRC has been a problem all year. Light fixtures have been broken repeatedly.

In December the problem was referred to Facility Services. Paperwork was filled out and things were put into motion to have a net installed all around the track to prevent more damage.

However, nearly four months later, nothing has changed.

Initially, the injured walker came into the office at the SRC and reassured staff that she wouldn't file complaints. She just wanted to inform them of her injury.

It was only shortly after her visit to the office that a complaint was in fact filed in regard to indoor soccer at the facility.

Risk Management contacted Ruth Olsen and informed her that there was one of two things that could happen.

Either athletes could cease playing indoor soccer completely, or a smaller ball could be used.

Not wanting to ban the sport entirely, Olsen decided to opt for the different soccer ball.

"Banning soccer at the SRC is like banning basketball from the court," Olsen said.

The new balls being used currently are Futsal balls. They are smaller and denser.

"It has less lift and lower flight," Olsen said.

Given the correct kick though, a Futsal could still fly to the upper track.

Soccer players remain frustrated with the new policy.

"There's better touch on the indoor suede soccer balls," said engineering student and frequent soccer player Ben Kellie. "It's one of those things that you have to get used to, just nobody wants to."