Recently, my son and I shared a meal together, enjoying burgers and fries, when he hesitantly looked down and revealed he had something important to discuss. Expecting a typical adolescent confession about grades or crushes, I was taken aback when he said, “Mom, I really wish you’d think again about letting me try out for the high school football team next year.” He leaned back, his hopeful gaze locking onto mine, as I prepared to gently reiterate my firm stance of “no.”
In our small town, football is woven into the fabric of community life. Under the bright stadium lights on Friday nights, aspiring athletes showcase their skills, and the excitement surrounding the sport is palpable. I understand the allure; watching the game brings back fond memories from my own high school days. The sound of the marching band instantly transports me to my youth, where I would cheer alongside friends.
While we aren’t fanatics, we certainly enjoy football as a family. Sundays during the season are filled with the sounds of referees and exuberant cheers from our living room, accompanied by the aroma of chili simmering on the stove and plates of nachos. My husband and I appreciate the game, but my son, in particular, has dreamt of playing since he was little.
However, my husband and I have always stood firmly against this ambition. When he was younger, it was easier to dodge his requests to join a football team. We would simply claim that the practice schedule didn’t align with our busy lives or that we missed the sign-ups. In reality, both of us have serious concerns about the dangers associated with football, particularly for young players. While I understand that tackle football doesn’t begin at a young age, the risk of concussions and other injuries remains far too significant for my comfort.
My unease is rooted in a personal experience. When my son was just 8 years old, a freak accident in gym class resulted in a severe concussion. Initially, he seemed fine, sporting a noticeable bump on his head and a mild headache. However, within hours, his situation rapidly declined. He experienced uncontrollable vomiting, dizziness, and extreme lethargy, which left him unable to walk or even recognize us. A visit to the emergency room and a CT scan confirmed the gravity of his concussion.
The six weeks of brain rest that followed, along with months of careful symptom monitoring, altered his life. School became a monumental challenge; he often felt exhausted and spent long hours resting, unable to participate in activities that could risk another head injury. He couldn’t ride his bike, play at the park, or engage in much of his usual routine. This incident was caused by an accidental blow, not by the intentional collisions that occur in football games.
Witnessing my son suffer through the pain of a concussion and the prolonged recovery process left a significant mark on me. It strengthened my resolve to prevent him from playing tackle football, regardless of how much he desires it or how much he protests my decision. As a parent, my responsibility is to prioritize his safety and create boundaries for his protection. Saying no to football is one of those critical boundaries, a choice shaped by our previous experience with a severe head injury.
I recognize that many parents may feel differently and choose to support their children in pursuing football. I respect their choices and am more than willing to cheer on our local athletes and support his classmates in their endeavors. However, as a concerned mother, I cannot shake the fear that my son could sustain a permanent injury during a game or practice.
It’s not easy to maintain my position against football, especially in a town where the sport is revered. I know he longs to wear a jersey with a bold number on the back, and I can sense his disappointment when we watch films like Rudy, where he dreams of having his own moment of glory.
As we left the restaurant that evening, he playfully wrapped his arm around my shoulder and said, “I’ll forgive you for not letting me play football if you buy me an ice cream.” I smiled and agreed, recognizing that his safety is worth far more than any fleeting disappointment.
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In summary, as a parent, my decision to prohibit my son from playing football stems from personal experiences and a desire to protect him from potential harm. While the sport is celebrated in our community, my priority will always be his safety and well-being.