Each autumn, my spouse and I find ourselves in the same debate with our children. They ask if they can join a football team, and we respond with a firm no, which leads to their whining. We stay resolute, and eventually, they stop asking—until the next year, that is. It’s a tiring cycle, but our stance against football remains unchanged.
My perspective on football wasn’t always so clear-cut. When my son was in the first grade, he played flag football and thoroughly enjoyed it. By second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to try tackle football to avoid being labeled the “Dream Crusher.” He was only eight, but he was convinced that his destiny was to play in the NFL.
Our typical conversations went something like this: I reminded him that only a small fraction of players ever make it to the NFL, and he insisted that he needed to practice now. Tears would flow as he lamented his crushed aspirations. I would tell him his father and I would consider it, but deep down, I was thinking, “Absolutely not.” Yet, my heart felt torn.
In the past, I relied on my instincts to guide my parenting choices. However, when it came to football, I found myself lacking the confidence to make a decision. Five years ago, during the “Dream Crusher Saga,” new information was emerging about the dangers associated with football, though there was still ongoing debate about age and risk levels. While I had made choices contrary to some experts’ recommendations in the past regarding breastfeeding and screen time, I hadn’t yet formed a strong opinion about football.
If I banned football, would I have to also prohibit activities like hockey, skiing, or rock climbing? What about the families we knew—good parents who let their kids play football? Wouldn’t we be hypocrites if we cheered for college football while denying our children the same opportunity? Ultimately, I let my son give it a shot, but thankfully, he chose not to continue.
Fast forward to today, and my views have shifted dramatically. There is no ambiguity or hesitation anymore; my children will not play football. Not a chance.
What Has Caused This Change?
The evidence surrounding the dangers of football has become undeniable. A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology revealed that the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a serious brain condition caused by repeated head trauma—correlates not with the number of concussions but rather with the years spent playing football. Research from Boston University, which analyzed the brains of over 260 deceased football players, found that the likelihood of developing CTE doubles for every 2.6 years of play. Thus, a child who begins tackle football at age 5 has a tenfold higher risk of developing CTE compared to someone who starts at age 14.
Another study highlighted by the New York Times indicated that former tackle football players with CTE had their risk of developing severe forms of the disease double for each 5.3 years they participated in the sport. Additionally, findings from Seattle Children’s Research Institute revealed that concussion rates among children aged 5-14 were alarmingly high, with 5% of players suffering football-related concussions each season.
As a result of these concerns, more parents are opting out of letting their kids play football, and societal acceptance of youth tackle football is diminishing. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compares the long-term risks of football for children to smoking cigarettes. This initiative, part of the “Tackle Can Wait” campaign, encourages parents to postpone allowing their kids to play tackle football until at least age 14 to mitigate the risk of CTE.
While 14 might not be a magical age, research suggests that young children who sustain brain injuries before age 12 tend to recover more slowly. By encouraging a delay in playing tackle football, parents may help their children avoid the sport altogether, which is something I’ve witnessed in my own sons. Their enthusiasm for football wanes with each passing year, especially as they become engaged in other sports and activities.
The Debate on Youth Football
So, why do some parents resist the idea of waiting to play—or even banning football entirely? Many want their children to enjoy the benefits of team sports, which are numerous. However, there are countless other sports that carry significantly lower risks for severe injuries and brain trauma.
Some argue that all sports come with injury risks, a statement that is technically accurate. Personally, I swam competitively—one of the least injury-prone sports—but I still experienced a career-ending shoulder injury. But that’s the key difference: a shoulder injury pales in comparison to the long-term consequences of a brain injury. Minor injuries like pulls or sprains are not comparable to brain trauma.
Others believe that football is becoming safer due to the banning of specific dangerous plays and the introduction of safer tackling techniques. Yet, even with these precautions, head injuries continue to occur. Just this week, a Green Bay Packers player was taken out during what was deemed a “clean” tackle.
Some parents argue that since other sports also carry injury risks, we should allow our children to pursue what they love. I can relate to this perspective; I once felt the same way when my son called me a Dream Crusher. As a cautious child, I don’t want my kids to shy away from experiences—whether it’s riding a bike hands-free, downhill skiing, or scuba diving—just because of inherent risks. I aim to teach them to understand those risks, evaluate them against potential rewards, and make informed choices. I describe my parenting as promoting controlled risk-taking. For instance, when my son climbed to the top branches of a tree, I just paused to snap a photo before reminding him to be cautious.
However, as parents, it’s not only our job to help our children navigate risks and encourage them to chase their dreams; it’s our responsibility to keep them safe so they have the opportunity to reach those dreams. We must set boundaries around activities we consider unsafe. We wouldn’t let our children run into busy streets or ride in cars without seatbelts. So why would we allow them to participate in a sport that poses a significant risk of brain injury?
Let’s be clear: safety should not hinge on a child’s intelligence. It’s baffling to me that anyone would think otherwise.
Alternatives to Tackle Football
So what should a parent do when faced with a child who desperately wants to play football? One option is to introduce flag football or TackleBar, where players wear traditional gear along with removable foam bars designed to teach safer tackling techniques. Studies show that TackleBar is seven times safer than conventional football.
Despite the challenges, we can either delay our children’s entry into tackle football or uphold a firm “no.” It’s not easy, but trust me—it becomes simpler with each passing year, even if it means embracing the title of Dream Crusher.
In summary, as awareness of the risks associated with youth football increases, many parents are reevaluating their choices. The evidence supporting the dangers of head injuries in football is compelling, leading to a growing consensus that delaying participation or exploring safer alternatives is a prudent approach for the wellbeing of our children.
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