The phone call came during a chaotic morning. The school nurse’s voice was urgent as she informed me that I needed to come to the school right away. “He’s got a head injury,” she said.
My son, who was just 8 at the time, had collided with another student in gym class, resulting in a brief loss of consciousness. When I arrived at the nurse’s office, I was met with a swollen bump on his head, about the size of a kiwi, rapidly turning bruised. He was dazed and disoriented. Sadly, his condition deteriorated from there: he experienced vomiting, weakness, lethargy, and confusion. After consulting with our family doctor, we rushed him to the emergency room, where they confirmed our worst fears: he had a concussion.
The recovery took nearly eight weeks. Eight weeks filled with headaches, visual issues, memory lapses, and trouble concentrating—all stemming from an incidental clash with another child. Although he fully recovered, we cannot predict the long-term impact that injury may have on his developing brain.
Given our firsthand experience with how debilitating a concussion can be, my husband and I made the decision shortly after his injury to prohibit our son from playing tackle football. Now, he watches the high school games from the sidelines, fully aware of the challenges he faced during his recovery.
Scientific Evidence Against Tackle Football
Recent findings from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) lend scientific credence to our choice. They studied 111 brains of former NFL players and found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 110 of them. This alarming statistic should compel parents to reconsider their children’s participation in full-contact sports like football.
In simpler terms, CTE is a progressive brain disorder linked to repeated head trauma. The Alzheimer’s Association outlines symptoms that can manifest from CTE, including memory loss, confusion, mood swings (like depression and suicidal thoughts), erratic behavior, attention deficits, and motor skill issues. Though CTE can only be conclusively diagnosed post-mortem, there’s a clear correlation between repeated head injuries and the presence of CTE at death.
The JAMA study examined the brains of former football players, with 177 cases showing signs of CTE. These brains were donated by families who had seen CTE symptoms in their loved ones. The players included individuals who had participated at various levels, from high school to professional, and were of diverse ages.
It’s important to note that because these brains came from families concerned about CTE, it’s likely that a significant number would show signs of the disease. While the research can’t definitively link football to CTE, it emphasizes the urgent need for more data to protect our kids on the field.
The Need for Long-Term Studies
Currently, there are no long-term studies on living individuals with CTE due to the immense time and financial resources required. Estimates suggest that a comprehensive long-term study might cost around $100 million, demanding extensive record-keeping over many years.
What is clear, however, is that science is inching closer to proving that repeated head trauma from football leads to long-lasting brain damage.
Even the NFL is responsive to these findings. In a statement to NPR, they acknowledged the significance of the JAMA report, asserting that the medical community will benefit from this research and that the league is committed to collaborating with experts to enhance athlete health.
Though NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has pledged $100 million towards safety research, additional independent studies are essential. It’s insufficient for a profit-driven organization to solely fund this research. Independent, long-term studies will empower parents to make informed choices about football while ensuring our kids’ safety during games.
What Parents Can Do
So, what should parents of aspiring football players do? Advocate for change. Urge your child’s football organization to prioritize CTE research. Yes, fundraising for new uniforms is important, but also focus on raising funds for the costly research into traumatic brain injuries in young athletes.
Ensure your child uses proper, up-to-date protective gear at every game—no exceptions. If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, do not let them play until they have fully recovered and received medical clearance. Any coach suggesting otherwise should raise a red flag for you.
Perhaps most importantly, recognize that growing research is highlighting the serious risks of head injuries for our children, both on and off the field.
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Conclusion
In summary, the evidence is mounting against tackle football as a safe sport for children due to the long-term risks associated with head injuries. As parents, it’s our responsibility to advocate for our children’s safety and make informed decisions regarding their participation in contact sports.
Keyphrase: tackle football safety concerns
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