Each autumn, my partner and I find ourselves in the same debate with our children. They express interest in playing football, and we firmly decline, leading to their inevitable disappointment. We stick to our “no football” rule, but the cycle repeats every year—it’s draining and frustrating. Yet, we remain resolute in our decision.
I wasn’t always this certain about excluding football from the options. When my son was in first grade, he played flag football and adored it. By second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to join a tackle football team, not wanting to be labeled a “Dream Crusher.” He was merely eight, yet he was convinced that his destiny lay in the NFL.
Our conversations often spiraled into emotional debates: I would remind him how few players actually make it to the NFL, while he insisted that he needed to start training right away. Tears would fall as he lamented his dashed dreams. I would promise to discuss it with my partner, but my inner voice screamed a definitive “No.”
Back then, I was guided by intuition and personal beliefs, but when it came to football, I felt lost. Five years ago, information about the sport’s dangers was emerging, yet discussions about age and risk levels were still ongoing. While I had previously made choices that challenged expert opinions—like those regarding breastfeeding or screen time—football felt different. It led me to ponder broader questions. If I ruled out football, would I also ban hockey, skiing, or rock climbing? What about the families who allowed their kids to play? Would we be hypocrites for cheering on college teams while forbidding our children from participating?
Ultimately, I allowed my son to play, but he chose to step back on his own. Fast forward to today, and my stance is crystal clear: my children will not play football—period.
What Changed My Perspective?
The evidence surrounding football’s dangers has become undeniable. A recent study in the Annals of Neurology revealed that it isn’t just the number of concussions that contributes to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—but the duration of play. Research from Boston University, analyzing over 260 deceased football players’ brains, found that the risk of CTE doubles every 2.6 years of participation. Simply put, a child who starts tackle football at age 5 is at ten times the risk of developing CTE compared to a child who begins at 14.
Another study highlighted by the New York Times stated that former players with CTE increased their risk of the most severe forms of the disease for every 5.3 years they played. Additionally, findings from Seattle Children’s Research Institute indicated that concussion rates among young football players aged 5-14 are higher than previously believed, with 5% sustaining a concussion each season.
Consequently, fewer parents are allowing their children to play football, and it has become less socially acceptable. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compares the potential long-term effects of football to children smoking cigarettes. Their “Tackle Can Wait” campaign, initiated by the daughters of two NFL players diagnosed with CTE posthumously, advocates for delaying tackle football until at least age 14 to mitigate CTE risks.
While age 14 isn’t a magic number, research shows that children under 12 who suffer brain injuries take much longer to recover. Encouraging kids to wait may even lead to them opting out of the sport entirely, a trend I’ve observed with my own sons. Their interest wanes as they engage with other sports and activities.
Why Some Parents Resist the “Wait to Play” Philosophy
Many want their children to experience the benefits of team sports, which are undeniably numerous. However, countless alternatives exist that carry far less risk for serious injuries and brain trauma. Some argue that all sports present injury risks—a point that is technically valid. I swam competitively and faced a shoulder injury that sidelined me, yet that pales in comparison to the potential long-term effects of a brain injury.
Others believe football is becoming safer due to banned dangerous plays and improved tackling techniques. However, injuries still occur, as demonstrated by a recent incident in which a Green Bay Packers player was injured during what was labeled a “clean” tackle.
Some parents assert that since injuries are part of life, children should pursue their passions. I understand this perspective—I felt similarly five years ago when labeled a Dream Crusher. As a cautious child, I want my kids to embrace challenges, whether that’s biking with no hands or skiing downhill. I aim to teach them to assess risks and rewards to make informed decisions. My parenting philosophy revolves around controlled risk-taking; for instance, I allowed my son to climb our backyard tree but reminded him to be safe while I snapped a picture.
Yet, as parents, it’s our duty not only to instill wisdom about risks but also to prioritize our children’s safety. We must establish boundaries for activities deemed hazardous, irrespective of how responsible our kids may be in managing those risks. We wouldn’t let them run into busy streets or travel without seat belts. When it comes to football, there are simply no “smart” risks for young children; the evidence is too overwhelming, and the stakes are too high.
I would never allow my kids to ride in a car without a seatbelt, so why would I permit them to engage in activities with a similar or greater likelihood of causing severe brain injury? Safety shouldn’t hinge on a child’s intelligence—this notion is absurd!
Alternatives to Tackle Football
So, what options do parents have when their kids plead to play football? Consider allowing them to participate in flag football or TackleBar, where players wear traditional gear and use removable foam bars to promote safer tackling techniques—this approach has proven to be seven times safer than traditional football.
As challenging as it may be, parents can insist on waiting until their children are older or maintain their “No” stance. It may be tough now, but it becomes easier with time, even if it means being labeled the Dream Crusher.
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Conclusion
In summary, the decision to exclude football from my children’s activities stems from a wealth of evidence regarding its dangers, particularly concerning brain injuries. While it’s natural for kids to want to participate in team sports, many safer alternatives exist that can provide similar benefits without the severe risks associated with tackle football.
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