Every autumn, my partner and I find ourselves in the same debate with our children: they wish to play football, and we respond with a firm no. Their pleas eventually wane, but the cycle repeats each year, leading to frustration on our part. Our stance against football has remained unwavering.
Initially, I didn’t have a strong conviction about banning football. When my son was in first grade, he played flag football and enjoyed it. By second grade, I reluctantly permitted him to join a tackle football team, fearing I’d be labeled the “Dream Crusher.” My son, only eight, was convinced that his destiny was to play in the NFL.
Our discussions often revolved around the slim chances of making it to the NFL, to which he countered that practice was essential. Tears flowed as he lamented the loss of his dream. I would tell him I’d discuss it further with my husband, while secretly my mind was screaming, “Absolutely not!” Yet, my heart was conflicted.
In the past, I relied on my instincts to make decisions, but football was a gray area. Five years ago, emerging studies highlighted the dangers of the sport, yet debates about the timing and nature of these risks lingered. I found myself questioning other activities: if I banned football, would I also need to prohibit hockey, skiing, or climbing? What about the families who allowed their kids to play football? Were we hypocrites for cheering on college teams while forbidding our children from joining?
Eventually, I caved in and let my son play, but fortunately, he chose not to continue. Today, however, my perspective has shifted dramatically. Now, I am resolutely against my children participating in football—there is simply no way.
What Has Changed?
The evidence surrounding football’s dangers has become overwhelming. A study published in the Annals of Neurology revealed that the severity of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) correlates not with the number of concussions but with the years spent engaged in football. Boston University research showed that the risk for CTE doubles for every 2.6 years of play. For instance, a child starting tackle football at age five faces a tenfold increase in CTE risk compared to one who begins at age fourteen.
Another study cited by the New York Times found that former players faced double the risk of developing severe forms of CTE for every 5.3 years they participated. Data from Seattle Children’s Research Institute indicated that 5% of young players, aged 5 to 14, sustain concussions each season—much higher than previously thought.
As awareness grows, fewer parents are allowing their children to play football, making it less socially acceptable. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compared the potential long-term effects of football to the dangers of children smoking cigarettes. Their “Tackle Can Wait” campaign advocates for delaying tackle football until at least age fourteen to reduce CTE risks.
While age fourteen is not a guaranteed safety threshold, research suggests that brain injuries sustained before age twelve can lead to prolonged recovery times. Encouraging children to wait may help them avoid football altogether—a trend I’ve observed in my sons. Their enthusiasm for the sport has diminished as they become more engaged in other activities.
Understanding Different Perspectives
Despite this, some parents still permit young kids to play football, valuing the benefits of team sports. While there are numerous sports with significantly lower injury risks, they argue that all sports carry some level of risk. I can relate, having faced my own injury during competitive swimming, a sport generally deemed safe. However, a shoulder injury pales in comparison to the potential lifelong consequences of a brain injury.
Others suggest that football is becoming safer due to rule changes and training in safer techniques, but head injuries continue to occur. Just recently, a Green Bay Packers player suffered a concussion from what was deemed a “clean” tackle.
Despite understanding the desire for children to engage in sports, I believe that our primary responsibility as parents is to protect them. We educate our kids about risks, but we also set boundaries where necessary. We wouldn’t let them run into busy traffic or ride in a car without seatbelts. With football, the risks are too pronounced, and the potential consequences too grave to ignore.
Alternatives to Consider
For parents grappling with the decision, consider alternatives like flag football or TackleBar, which promotes safe tackling techniques. It’s tough, but standing firm against football gets easier with time—even if it earns you the title of Dream Crusher.
In summary, as parents, we must prioritize safety while navigating the risks associated with sports. The evidence against youth football is compelling, and finding safer alternatives can help children enjoy sports without the dangers associated with tackle football.
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