Every autumn, my partner and I find ourselves in the same predicament with our children. Their requests to play football are met with a firm refusal from us, resulting in their disappointed protests. We stick to our guns, and eventually, the inquiries subside—until the next year rolls around. This cycle is exhausting, but our position on football remains resolute.
There was a time when I wasn’t so certain about excluding football from the options. When my son was in first grade, he delighted in playing flag football. By second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to join a tackle football team, not wanting to be labeled a “Dream Killer.” He was just 8 years old, yet he was convinced that his ambition was to make it to the NFL.
Our discussions typically unfolded like this: I would point out how few players actually reach the NFL, while he countered that starting to practice early was essential. Often, he’d dissolve into tears, lamenting his dashed dreams. I would promise to discuss it with his father, all the while knowing that my answer would be a resounding no.
At that time, I relied on my intuition and personal experiences to guide my choices. Yet, when it came to football, I felt a lack of strong instinct regarding the best decision. Five years ago, as concerns about football’s dangers emerged, there was still some uncertainty regarding the age when it became hazardous. Unlike other parenting decisions I had made, I didn’t have a clear stance on football.
If I prohibited football, would I also need to ban hockey or skiing? What about the other families who allowed their children to play? Would it be hypocritical to support college football on weekends while denying my kids the same opportunity? Ultimately, I consented to let my son try it out, though, thankfully, he chose not to continue.
Fast forward to today, and my perspective has shifted dramatically. My conviction is unwavering: my children will not play football.
What Has Changed?
The evidence surrounding football’s dangers has become undeniable. A recent study in the Annals of Neurology revealed that the severity of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—is influenced more by the number of years played than by the frequency of concussions. Research involving over 260 deceased football players indicated that the risk of developing CTE doubles for every 2.6 years spent playing. Therefore, a child who begins tackle football at age 5 faces ten times the risk of CTE compared to a peer who starts at 14.
Another study highlighted by the New York Times showed that former tackle football players with CTE face double the risk of developing severe forms of the disease for each 5.3 years they participated in the sport. Moreover, a report from Seattle Children’s Research Institute found concussion rates among children aged 5-14 to be higher than previously thought, with 5% sustaining a football-related concussion each season.
As a result, an increasing number of parents are opting not to let their children play football, and societal acceptance of youth football is declining. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation equates the long-term risks of football to those of cigarette smoking, advocating for parents to delay allowing their children to play tackle football until at least age 14 to minimize CTE risks.
While 14 is not a strict cutoff, research suggests that children who sustain brain injuries before age 12 experience slower recovery. Encouraging this waiting period may even lead some families to bypass football altogether, as I’ve observed with my own sons. Their enthusiasm for the sport diminishes each year as they engage with other activities.
Why Do Some Parents Resist?
So why do some parents resist this delay or outright prohibition? Many seek to provide their children with the benefits of team sports, which are numerous. However, there are countless other sports that involve significantly lower risks of severe injury.
Some may argue that all sports carry some risk, which is true. I personally swam competitively—one of the safest sports—and still faced a shoulder injury that curtailed my collegiate career. But a shoulder injury pales in comparison to the potential long-term consequences of a brain injury.
Others contend that football is evolving to be safer due to banned dangerous maneuvers and enhanced training on safer tackling techniques. Yet, even with improved safety measures, head injuries can still occur, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a Green Bay Packers player who was injured during what was deemed a “clean” tackle.
Some parents believe that since risk is inherent in all sports, we should let our kids pursue their passions. I empathized with this viewpoint five years ago when my son labeled me a Dream Killer. As a cautious individual, I don’t want my children to shy away from experiences—whether it’s biking without hands, skiing downhill, or asking someone to prom—simply because risks exist. I aim to teach them about weighing risks against rewards and making informed choices.
However, our duty as parents extends beyond teaching kids to manage risks; it includes ensuring their safety. We must establish boundaries regarding what we consider unsafe. We wouldn’t let our children play in busy streets or travel without seatbelts. When it comes to football, the evidence is too compelling, and the severity of risks too great for young children.
I wouldn’t risk my kids riding in a car without a seatbelt, so why would I allow them to engage in an activity with a high likelihood of serious brain injury? It’s baffling that safety would be linked to a child’s intelligence.
Alternatives to Football
For parents facing the dilemma of children wanting to play football, there are alternatives. Flag football or TackleBar, which incorporates traditional football gear along with removable foam bars for safer tackling, offers a considerably lower risk approach. TackleBar has been shown to be seven times safer than traditional football.
Ultimately, it may be necessary to stand firm in a “no football” policy, even when it’s tough. With time, it becomes easier, even if it means being labeled a Dream Killer.
For those seeking further insights, there are excellent resources available, such as RMANY, which provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring other options, check out this blog post on home insemination kits, or consider this authority on the subject.
In summary, while the debate over youth football continues, the growing body of evidence suggests that the risks far outweigh the benefits, particularly for young children.
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