One of the biggest issues within the subculture of football is the amount of concussions that come with the sport. There are many studies that show high rates of concussions, traumatic brain injuries and a serious brain disorder called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former players. These
injuries come with terrible effects that can stay with a player for the rest of their life.
How concussions occur
Concussions occur when a collision causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull. The greater the force of the impact, the more severe the concussion. In football, players are going at each other with force
throughout the whole game. Symptoms can include disorientation, memory problems, headaches,
fogginess and loss of consciousness. After suffering from one concussion, a person is much
more likely to suffer from a second concussion after another injury. A second concussion often comes
with symptoms that last longer than the first.
Long-term health effects of concussions
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that having more than one concussion can cause depression, anxiety, aggression, personality changes and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, CTE and other brain disorders. These are the reasons why a lot of parents don’t want their high school kids playing football. This has been a problem that coaches and athletic staff have been trying to solve for years. There have been many different ideas. First, all sports have risks, but there are many ways to prevent serious concussions.
How to prevent serious outcomes
Helmets and mouth guards are widely used but there is no evidence that they help prevent concussions. Preventing concussions in football is very difficult. To be more strict and to enforce the prevention of concussions, there are new rules being put in place for the game of football. For example, players who show poor sportsmanship and dangerous conduct are now ejected from games. Lastly, the crown-of-the-helmet rule is in
place. This rule penalizes defensive players or offensive ball carriers who initiate contact with the top of their helmet. In other words, a player using his head to hit someone.
Football is a game that comes with a lot of risk. Some say it is worth it, while others say it’s not. As research continues and more solutions come to the forefront, the game itself will continue to evolve.
