Please read my research paper and tell me what you think.
Tackle Football; Not for Children
By popular believe, football has become America's new favorite pastime, surpassing both baseball and basketball. In a nation where violence is on the rise, it has been shown that today's society is becoming more and more obsessed with violent sports, the more risk, the more viewers. With this new found passion for fast action packed sports, America has quickly jumped onto the football bandwagon. Starting at an early age, children begin to idolize these grid iron heroes and grow up wanting to play the game just like their favorite football stars. Parents encourage their kids to play sports such as football, to help keep them active and to teach them life lessons about team work and determination. However there are those who feel the sport of football is too violent for young children to play. Due to the detrimental risks involved in playing such a violent sport, young children should not be allowed to participate in tackle football.
Although today's game of football is essentially the same as back in the early 1920's, when football was first played, it has drastically changed. It may be hard to figure that such a violent game used to be even more dangerous, but football today is safer, to an extent, than back when it first began. With technological advancements and new rule changes they have made great strides in making such a fierce sport less harmful. In the early stages of football they essentially had no pads, and wore leather hats as helmets. In modern football, players have advanced helmets with hundreds of hours of science behind the design to help keep the players heads from getting injured. Also, the football league has structured new rule changes that help keep the players from accruing unnecessary injuries and protect defenseless players who cannot defend themselves due to their position. As the sport evolves and new safety equipment is created the sport can continue to strive and become even safer.
When it comes to youth football many things are taken into consideration, and there are many opinions about the topic. First off, there are two different types of youth football, tackle and flag. Tackle football follows the more traditional approach in the sense the players wear full gear and tackle one another. While on the other hand, flag football is much safer due to the none-physical aspect of pulling the players flags instead of wrestling them to the ground. Just as in any sport there are risks of the young athletes getting hurt but there are definitely more in tackle football. In an article written by Mike Florio, a writer for ABC Sports, he interviewed several NFL star players who feel kids playing football is a positive learning experience. The NFL players state that it is positive because it teaches young adolescents the values of team building and hard work, but at what risks? In the article one player, Troy Palamalu is quoted as saying, "You face so many different adversities. You deal with so much emotionally, but what makes this sport unique is that you can deal with a lot physically" (Florio). It is believed that the player was referring to how in football, as well as in life, you will have many adversities to overcome and it's not about how hard or daunting the task may be, but how you have to have the will and heart to overcome it. This may be true, although is putting the health of a child at risk worth learning a lesson that could also be taught playing flag football? Mike interviewed only two players in this article and although they believe youth football is a good idea they do not speak for all NFL players.
There are several former NFL athletes who believe differently, such as Kurt Warner, Eddie Mason, and numerous others. Future hall of famer, Kurt Warner has been under heavy scrutiny recently for his comments regarding his reservations about his sons playing tackle football. He voiced his concerns by stating, "I enjoy watching my boys play ... but at the same time, when my boys get hit, I just take a deep breath and make sure that they get up and they're healthy and they're going back to the huddle. So there's still that concern and that thought process" (Sessler). Although Kurt still lets his sons play football he still has his concerns about their safety and this has been a common theme for all parents. They recognize the danger that they are putting their children in but still allow them to play knowing they could get hurt. Even the father of three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady, Tom Brady Sr., has expressed his regrets with starting Tom Jr. at such an early age, saying, "I subscribe to kids playing football, but I don't really subscribe to them playing until they are developed" (Mihoces).
A recent article written by Stefan Fatsis, a writer for an online magazine called Slate, also states a very convincing case as to why children should not be playing tackle football. Stefan attended a roundtable discussion about the future of youth tackle football where several big name ex-football players, neurosurgeons and other youth safety activists conjoined to talk about the dangers of kids playing tackle football. As a reporter he was able to listen in on the whole meeting and gather very telling information that may change the minds of many concerned parents. One of the individuals that were questioned was former NFL linebacker Eddie Mason he said, "You can implement rules, you can implement changes, but until the football community embraces the reality of the sport, the reality of concussion, the reality of the damage that comes along with it if you start at an early age, that's the problem" (Fatsis). This quote came from Eddie when asked as to what he thought of the new Pop Warner Association mandatory coaching techniques that were being put in place. Also in this article there was a very defining quote that was asked "How can football serve children, communities, and public health" (Fatsis)? The surprising answer from the panel of professionals was "Tackle football can best serve children, communities, and public health by disappearing" (Fatsis). This answer was very startling to many as most individuals in the football world were raised under the traditional, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" rugged type personality. The article also went on to say that the pop warner's safety regulations and new tackling techniques are not enough to make football safer, and that the sport is just too dangerous to play at such an early age.
An interesting point and a major concern for parents was the research that is being conducted on the relation to head injuries and the effects it has later on in life. Every parent wants to protect their child but what is being done to protect the child's most important organ; their brain. In an article written by Joe Nocera, a writer for the New York Times, where he interviewed Dr. Robert Cantu about the connection between brain injuries and playing football, he was quotes saying, "...children should be confined to touch football until they turn 14. The young brain is more vulnerable. Besides there is just too much that we don't know" (Nocera). Cantu is a co-director at Boston University center where they have been assessing the correlation between concussions and the disabling brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy better known as C.T.E. This debilitating brain disease used to only be associated with boxing but with new research it has been connected to other sports, especially football. Although there is no definitive connection between tackle football and C.T.E, there is however a link with concussions. A concussion is a hard hit or blow to the head that jolts the brain and results in a change in the athlete's behavior, actions and thinking, the player might go unconscious or have slurred speech. A concussion is a serious injury and should not be taken lightly, if an athlete is suspected of a possible concussion they should be evaluated by a medical examiner immediately and not return to play. After being evaluated the player must gradually return to the game and avoid rushing things before the players brain has time to recover. On CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and USA Football's website, they have great information about concussions and they have a great motto that all coaches should be aware of "When in doubt, sit them out". This could be a very instrumental tool in helping educate coaches, athletes and parents on how to treat concussions and prevent them from happening in the future. A very telling quote from an article written by Julie Mack, an author from Michigan, states, "But for all the focus on concussions, researchers now say the bigger worry in football may be total accumulation of body blows that jolt the head, shaking the brain like a bowl of Jell-O and traumatizing fragile brain tissue and nerves" (Mack). After such a strong statement such as this one would definitely re-evaluate whether or not tackle football is safe for children.
Another objection that is highly overlooked is the fact that children are incapable of knowing what dangers they are putting themselves in; they essentially have no say in their own health. As parents we control what our children will and will not participate in, if your child says they want to jump off of your roof are you going to let them? Common sense says, no. Although having children participate in tackle football is not the equivalent of jumping off of a roof, it can in some instances be just as dangerous. Having young children, some at the tender age of 5 or 6 could be very hazardous to their health. A young child's body is just not ready to take the physical punishment that comes with playing such a high contact sport. The alternative that would be in the best interest of the children's safety would be for all young kids to play flag football until high school. Their bodies and brains are more mature at this stage in life and are able to handle the physical nature of the sport. On Sporting News, a sport news website, there was an informative article warning parents about the dangers of young children playing tackle football and there was a quote that summed up why kids should play flag football instead of tackle football. "There are great things about football that we need to preserve. And then there are aspects that need to be changed because of changing times," she says. "If you're playing football starting when you're 5, if you can only sustain so many hits, you don't want to use them up by the time you're 12. I have kids who retire from football when they're 12. It's crazy. I want my kids to play football for as long as they want, for a lifetime, for fun" (Crossman).
After reviewing all the information and collecting all the data and testimonials it is evident that children should not be playing tackle football at such an early age. The injuries that could potentially occur out-weigh the team building lesson being learned from playing the sport. Essentially the only option a parent has is to have their child play flag football until high school, when their bodies and brains can handle the harsh physicality of football. Even with all the rule changes, advancements in technology for safer helmets and better coaching techniques the sport of tackle football will still be very hazardous to anyone who plays it, child or adult. The risks of playing tackle football at such an early age are just too strong to ignore, the evidence is clear cut and the decision is on the parents. The damages that could potentially come out of playing, what should be a children's game, just aren't worth jeopardizing the health of our children. As a parent one should review all the information and become better educated on what the potential risk factors are of playing tackle football. It is our responsibility to protect our children and keep them safe, and this can be done by not allowing children to play in violent sports such as tackle football.
Tackle Football; Not for Children
By popular believe, football has become America's new favorite pastime, surpassing both baseball and basketball. In a nation where violence is on the rise, it has been shown that today's society is becoming more and more obsessed with violent sports, the more risk, the more viewers. With this new found passion for fast action packed sports, America has quickly jumped onto the football bandwagon. Starting at an early age, children begin to idolize these grid iron heroes and grow up wanting to play the game just like their favorite football stars. Parents encourage their kids to play sports such as football, to help keep them active and to teach them life lessons about team work and determination. However there are those who feel the sport of football is too violent for young children to play. Due to the detrimental risks involved in playing such a violent sport, young children should not be allowed to participate in tackle football.
Although today's game of football is essentially the same as back in the early 1920's, when football was first played, it has drastically changed. It may be hard to figure that such a violent game used to be even more dangerous, but football today is safer, to an extent, than back when it first began. With technological advancements and new rule changes they have made great strides in making such a fierce sport less harmful. In the early stages of football they essentially had no pads, and wore leather hats as helmets. In modern football, players have advanced helmets with hundreds of hours of science behind the design to help keep the players heads from getting injured. Also, the football league has structured new rule changes that help keep the players from accruing unnecessary injuries and protect defenseless players who cannot defend themselves due to their position. As the sport evolves and new safety equipment is created the sport can continue to strive and become even safer.
When it comes to youth football many things are taken into consideration, and there are many opinions about the topic. First off, there are two different types of youth football, tackle and flag. Tackle football follows the more traditional approach in the sense the players wear full gear and tackle one another. While on the other hand, flag football is much safer due to the none-physical aspect of pulling the players flags instead of wrestling them to the ground. Just as in any sport there are risks of the young athletes getting hurt but there are definitely more in tackle football. In an article written by Mike Florio, a writer for ABC Sports, he interviewed several NFL star players who feel kids playing football is a positive learning experience. The NFL players state that it is positive because it teaches young adolescents the values of team building and hard work, but at what risks? In the article one player, Troy Palamalu is quoted as saying, "You face so many different adversities. You deal with so much emotionally, but what makes this sport unique is that you can deal with a lot physically" (Florio). It is believed that the player was referring to how in football, as well as in life, you will have many adversities to overcome and it's not about how hard or daunting the task may be, but how you have to have the will and heart to overcome it. This may be true, although is putting the health of a child at risk worth learning a lesson that could also be taught playing flag football? Mike interviewed only two players in this article and although they believe youth football is a good idea they do not speak for all NFL players.
There are several former NFL athletes who believe differently, such as Kurt Warner, Eddie Mason, and numerous others. Future hall of famer, Kurt Warner has been under heavy scrutiny recently for his comments regarding his reservations about his sons playing tackle football. He voiced his concerns by stating, "I enjoy watching my boys play ... but at the same time, when my boys get hit, I just take a deep breath and make sure that they get up and they're healthy and they're going back to the huddle. So there's still that concern and that thought process" (Sessler). Although Kurt still lets his sons play football he still has his concerns about their safety and this has been a common theme for all parents. They recognize the danger that they are putting their children in but still allow them to play knowing they could get hurt. Even the father of three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady, Tom Brady Sr., has expressed his regrets with starting Tom Jr. at such an early age, saying, "I subscribe to kids playing football, but I don't really subscribe to them playing until they are developed" (Mihoces).
A recent article written by Stefan Fatsis, a writer for an online magazine called Slate, also states a very convincing case as to why children should not be playing tackle football. Stefan attended a roundtable discussion about the future of youth tackle football where several big name ex-football players, neurosurgeons and other youth safety activists conjoined to talk about the dangers of kids playing tackle football. As a reporter he was able to listen in on the whole meeting and gather very telling information that may change the minds of many concerned parents. One of the individuals that were questioned was former NFL linebacker Eddie Mason he said, "You can implement rules, you can implement changes, but until the football community embraces the reality of the sport, the reality of concussion, the reality of the damage that comes along with it if you start at an early age, that's the problem" (Fatsis). This quote came from Eddie when asked as to what he thought of the new Pop Warner Association mandatory coaching techniques that were being put in place. Also in this article there was a very defining quote that was asked "How can football serve children, communities, and public health" (Fatsis)? The surprising answer from the panel of professionals was "Tackle football can best serve children, communities, and public health by disappearing" (Fatsis). This answer was very startling to many as most individuals in the football world were raised under the traditional, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" rugged type personality. The article also went on to say that the pop warner's safety regulations and new tackling techniques are not enough to make football safer, and that the sport is just too dangerous to play at such an early age.
An interesting point and a major concern for parents was the research that is being conducted on the relation to head injuries and the effects it has later on in life. Every parent wants to protect their child but what is being done to protect the child's most important organ; their brain. In an article written by Joe Nocera, a writer for the New York Times, where he interviewed Dr. Robert Cantu about the connection between brain injuries and playing football, he was quotes saying, "...children should be confined to touch football until they turn 14. The young brain is more vulnerable. Besides there is just too much that we don't know" (Nocera). Cantu is a co-director at Boston University center where they have been assessing the correlation between concussions and the disabling brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy better known as C.T.E. This debilitating brain disease used to only be associated with boxing but with new research it has been connected to other sports, especially football. Although there is no definitive connection between tackle football and C.T.E, there is however a link with concussions. A concussion is a hard hit or blow to the head that jolts the brain and results in a change in the athlete's behavior, actions and thinking, the player might go unconscious or have slurred speech. A concussion is a serious injury and should not be taken lightly, if an athlete is suspected of a possible concussion they should be evaluated by a medical examiner immediately and not return to play. After being evaluated the player must gradually return to the game and avoid rushing things before the players brain has time to recover. On CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and USA Football's website, they have great information about concussions and they have a great motto that all coaches should be aware of "When in doubt, sit them out". This could be a very instrumental tool in helping educate coaches, athletes and parents on how to treat concussions and prevent them from happening in the future. A very telling quote from an article written by Julie Mack, an author from Michigan, states, "But for all the focus on concussions, researchers now say the bigger worry in football may be total accumulation of body blows that jolt the head, shaking the brain like a bowl of Jell-O and traumatizing fragile brain tissue and nerves" (Mack). After such a strong statement such as this one would definitely re-evaluate whether or not tackle football is safe for children.
Another objection that is highly overlooked is the fact that children are incapable of knowing what dangers they are putting themselves in; they essentially have no say in their own health. As parents we control what our children will and will not participate in, if your child says they want to jump off of your roof are you going to let them? Common sense says, no. Although having children participate in tackle football is not the equivalent of jumping off of a roof, it can in some instances be just as dangerous. Having young children, some at the tender age of 5 or 6 could be very hazardous to their health. A young child's body is just not ready to take the physical punishment that comes with playing such a high contact sport. The alternative that would be in the best interest of the children's safety would be for all young kids to play flag football until high school. Their bodies and brains are more mature at this stage in life and are able to handle the physical nature of the sport. On Sporting News, a sport news website, there was an informative article warning parents about the dangers of young children playing tackle football and there was a quote that summed up why kids should play flag football instead of tackle football. "There are great things about football that we need to preserve. And then there are aspects that need to be changed because of changing times," she says. "If you're playing football starting when you're 5, if you can only sustain so many hits, you don't want to use them up by the time you're 12. I have kids who retire from football when they're 12. It's crazy. I want my kids to play football for as long as they want, for a lifetime, for fun" (Crossman).
After reviewing all the information and collecting all the data and testimonials it is evident that children should not be playing tackle football at such an early age. The injuries that could potentially occur out-weigh the team building lesson being learned from playing the sport. Essentially the only option a parent has is to have their child play flag football until high school, when their bodies and brains can handle the harsh physicality of football. Even with all the rule changes, advancements in technology for safer helmets and better coaching techniques the sport of tackle football will still be very hazardous to anyone who plays it, child or adult. The risks of playing tackle football at such an early age are just too strong to ignore, the evidence is clear cut and the decision is on the parents. The damages that could potentially come out of playing, what should be a children's game, just aren't worth jeopardizing the health of our children. As a parent one should review all the information and become better educated on what the potential risk factors are of playing tackle football. It is our responsibility to protect our children and keep them safe, and this can be done by not allowing children to play in violent sports such as tackle football.
