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Before your child laces up their cleats for tackle football, it’s essential to grasp the potential hazards involved. According to 2019 data, 8% of parents with children aged 5-18 indicated that their kids chose tackle football as their sport. Given the predominantly male participation, that equates to a significant number of boys engaging in full-contact football. Although high school enrollment has seen a decline since 2008, the drop in 2019 was minimal, with just 2,489 fewer players, resulting in an estimated 1.5 million kids aged 13-17 playing tackle football that year.
While organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations are promoting safety by implementing rules to reduce contact during practices and establishing concussion protocols, the risk of injury remains. Pop Warner Football, which had over 225,000 players aged 5 to 14 in 2019, has introduced strict regulations aimed at minimizing injuries. Their “Heads-Up Football Training” claims to reduce injuries by 87%, and they’ve limited contact during practice to no more than 25%. Despite these measures, tackle football begins at age five.
The Impact on Children’s Brains
Scientific research is increasingly focusing on the effects of high-impact exposure and concussions on children’s brains. Some studies, like one from 2019 involving 29 boys aged 9-12, found no link between repeated subconcussive head impacts and cognitive functioning. However, a subsequent 2020 study involving 200 participants aged 9-13 revealed that head impacts negatively affected cognitive development in younger players.
Furthermore, a study published in 2019 indicated a 5% concussion rate among tackle football players aged 4-15. While many returned to school and play relatively quickly, about half continued to show symptoms weeks later.
The Long-Term Consequences
The term “head impact burden” refers to the frequency and intensity of hits a child experiences during play. Research indicates that middle schoolers experience higher head impact burdens than high school players, and these burdens can fluctuate significantly from season to season. Alarmingly, a 2019 study found that a substantial portion of high-magnitude head impacts were intentional, pointing to a concerning aspect of how the game is played.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a serious degenerative brain condition linked to repeated traumatic brain injuries, which athletes are at a greater risk of developing. Research from Boston University suggests that starting tackle football before age 12 may lead to an earlier onset of CTE symptoms.
While organizations like Pop Warner are taking steps to enhance safety, the risks associated with subconcussive impacts persist, and children continue to engage in head-first tackles. Notably, a significant percentage of parents support setting a legal age limit for tackle football, yet discussions around this remain vague among officials.
Ultimately, while tackle football can be enjoyable and has become safer, it still entails risks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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Summary:
Before allowing your child to play tackle football, it’s crucial to understand the associated risks, particularly concerning head injuries and long-term brain health. Despite safety measures in place, the potential for concussions and other injuries remains significant. Parents should weigh these risks carefully, especially as research continues to explore the impacts of tackle football on young minds.
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