Dive Brief:
- High school football programs should be discontinued because protecting students from brain injury should take precedence over sports, Mark A. Serva, an educational consultant and associate professor at the University of Delaware, suggests in a piece for District Administration.
- A recent study conducted by Boston University revealed that one in five high school football players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that diminishes brain capacity and is associated with high risks of memory loss, behavioral issues and depression.
- The main cause of death from mild CTE is suicide and students who begin football before age 12 are at even higher risk of CTE effects.
Dive Insight:
High school football is the pride of many high schools and communities and supporters often tout its benefits. High schools often build a brand around the team and other school activities, such as cheerleading and band are part of football's big draw. The games are also often one of the biggest sources of donation income for a school.
However, because research indicates the sport is eroding the minds and damaging the brains of so many who play it, schools are seeing an increased number of football-related deaths and lawsuits. For the survivors, grades, behavior and mental health can still suffer consequently. The ethical implications of the program are growing as more information about the effects of football are known.
It may be time for schools—and communities-- to take a hard look at their football programs and decide if the risks are worth it. If football dies, there are still other sporting options, such as soccer, that can fill the void. And schools may be able to divert football resources to building fitness centers with indoor tracks, weight rooms and aerobic studios, racquetball courts and even swimming pools that will serve more students and expand the message that physical fitness is important. These centers could also be used to benefit communities and residents could pay a small fee to use the facilities or purchase concessions from school clubs operating at the center to help recover lost revenues from football. If communities could get behind an idea like that, the loss of football may come as less of a blow.
FAQs
Key takeaways: Although joining a high school sports team can offer many benefits for young people, it also comes with the risk of experiencing injuries, such as a concussion. Depending on many factors, a concussion can cause symptoms that could impact a young person's short and long-term physical and mental health.
What are the risks of high school football? ›
Therefore, high school and college athletes are risking injuries while not receiving as much compensation. The most common of these injury risks in high school football are concussions and head injuries. Players are four times more likely to sustain a concussion in football games than while playing men's basketball.
Is it safe for high schoolers to play football? ›
Football-related concussions among teenagers are a significant concern, with high school football accounting for a significant portion of sports-related concussions in the US. A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that high school football players have a higher rate of concussions than other sports.
Do the benefits of sports outweigh the risks? ›
Sports Safety Matters
Youth athletes receive countless benefits from participation in organized sports whether through a local recreational league, youth sport organization or school. The risk of injury is inherent in sports but the benefits typically outweigh the risks.
Is football a high risk sport? ›
Key Characteristics: Football has the highest injury and concussion rates among all sports, regardless of gender, according to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study. Injuries to the head/face, ankle, knee and hand/wrist are the most common.
What are the benefits of high school football? ›
Football at the high school level plays quite a large role in shaping the lives of young adults, helping them develop critical life skills and building lasting memories. For starters, high school football teaches important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Is football safe or not? ›
The cons of playing football
In 2017, thousands of pro-football players agreed to a settlement with the National Football League over serious health conditions associated with concussions. “Regardless of how safe we make it, it's still a dangerous sport,” explains Dr. Behr.
What sport has the most risk? ›
Rugby. Rugby is widely known as one of the most dangerous sports due to its incredibly intense nature and a lack of protective gear for the players.
Is it bad to start football at 14? ›
Meanwhile, football experts - from coaches to Hall of Fame players - remind us that you don't need to start tackle young in order to become a great football player. Until tackle football is proven safe for the developing brain, we urgently recommend flag and other non-tackle versions of football before age 14.
Is 13 too old to start football? ›
It's never too late to pursue your dreams, but the earlier you start, the better. While starting at 13 is later than many professional footballers, it's not impossible. You'll need dedication, consistent training, and a passion for the game. Balancing school and training will require time management and discipline.
With footballing legends like Peter Crouch not attending a football lesson until he was 9 years old, there really is no age that is considered 'too late' to join a football academy – in fact, it's never too late to get involved and build a love for a sport and to learn new skills!
What is the danger of high school sports? ›
The pressure to play can lead to decisions that place the athlete at risk of additional injury with long-term effects. High school sports injuries can cause problems that require surgery as an adult and may lead to arthritis later in life. When a sports injury occurs, it is important to quickly seek proper treatment.
What are the disadvantages of high school sports? ›
Potential injury: There is a potential risk for injury in any sport, which can range from strains and sprains to broken bones and concussions or traumatic injuries in rare cases.
Is it okay to not do sports in high school? ›
While it's fine not to do a sport, it's always good to participate in some activity or club.
Do colleges care about high school sports? ›
Playing sports in high school can be an excellent way to demonstrate leadership skills, teamwork, and other qualities that colleges seek. Participating in sports can also help students develop personal qualities such as perseverance, time management, and goal-setting.
