Every fall, my partner and I find ourselves in a familiar debate with our children. They express interest in playing football, and we firmly decline, leading to their protests. We maintain our “no football” rule, but it feels like a never-ending cycle. I used to question our decision; after all, when my son was in first grade, he had a great time playing flag football. By the time he was in second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to join a tackle football team, not wanting to be labeled the Dream Crusher. He was just eight, but he was certain he was destined for the NFL.
Our conversations typically went like this: I would point out how few players actually make it to the NFL, and he would argue that he needed to start training immediately. He often ended up in tears, lamenting what he believed to be his shattered dream. I would tell him that I needed to discuss it with his father, all the while thinking, “Absolutely not.” My heart was conflicted back then.
I had always relied on my instincts for decisions, but when it came to football, I felt lost. Five years ago, as we navigated this Dream Crusher dilemma, more information began to emerge about the sport’s dangers, but there were still varying opinions on when it was most hazardous. I had made choices in the past that contradicted expert advice regarding topics like breastfeeding and screen time, but I lacked the personal experience to guide me on football. This raised many other questions.
If we banned football, would we also have to prohibit hockey, skiing, or rock climbing? What about the other families who let their kids play football? Would we be hypocrites for cheering on college players while denying our children the same opportunity? Ultimately, I caved and allowed my son to give it a try, but thankfully, he chose not to play.
A Shift in Perspective
Fast forward to today, and my perspective has shifted dramatically. There is no ambiguity for me anymore: my children will not play football. Not a chance.
What has changed? The mounting evidence surrounding football’s dangers is impossible to ignore. A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology revealed that the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—increases with the number of years spent playing football, rather than just the number of concussions. Research conducted by Boston University on over 260 deceased football players found that the risk of CTE doubles for every 2.6 years of play. A child who starts playing tackle football at age 5 faces ten times the risk of developing CTE compared to someone who starts at age 14.
Another study cited by the New York Times showed that former tackle football players with CTE doubled their risk of the most severe forms of the disease for every 5.3 years they participated in the sport. Furthermore, recent findings from Seattle Children’s Research Institute noted that concussion rates among young football players (ages 5-14) were higher than previously understood, with 5% sustaining football-related concussions each season.
Fewer parents are allowing their children to play football due to these alarming risks, and the social acceptance of youth football is declining. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compares the potential long-term damage of football to that of children smoking cigarettes. Their “Tackle Can Wait” campaign, initiated by the daughters of two former NFL players diagnosed with CTE, promotes delaying tackle football until at least age 14 to mitigate the risk of CTE. While 14 isn’t a definitive age, research shows that children under 12 who suffer brain injuries tend to recover much more slowly. Encouraging kids to wait may even help them avoid the sport altogether, a trend I’ve observed with my sons, whose enthusiasm wanes as they explore other activities.
The Debate on Team Sports
Why do some parents reject this “wait to play” approach? Many want their children to experience the benefits of team sports, which are undeniable. However, there are numerous other sports with significantly lower risks of severe injuries and brain trauma. Some argue that all sports carry injury risks, which is true. Personally, I competed in swimming—a sport known for its low injury rates—and still faced a career-altering shoulder injury. But the impact of a shoulder injury pales in comparison to a brain injury.
While some parents point out that football is becoming safer due to rule changes and improved coaching techniques, head injuries still occur. Just recently, a Green Bay Packers player was knocked out during a tackle deemed “clean.”
Others believe that since all sports pose risks and life itself carries inherent dangers, we should encourage our children to pursue their passions. I can relate to this mindset; I felt similarly when my son labeled me as the Dream Crusher. As a cautious individual, it’s important for me that my children learn to assess risks and rewards and make informed decisions. I advocate for controlled risk-taking, as seen when I let my son climb a tree while merely reminding him to be careful.
However, as parents, it’s not just our job to educate our children about smart risks; it’s our duty to keep them safe. We must draw the line on activities we consider unsafe, regardless of how adept they are at managing risks. We wouldn’t let our children run into busy streets or ride in a car without seatbelts, so why allow them to engage in something that poses a significant risk of brain injury? Safety is not a measure of intelligence; it’s a necessity.
Alternatives to Football
So, what can parents do when their child begs to play football? Options include allowing them to play flag football or TackleBar, which uses traditional football gear along with removable foam bars designed to teach safe tackling techniques. TackleBar has been shown to be seven times safer than conventional football. As difficult as it may be, parents can choose to wait until their children are older or stand firm in their “NO” decision. It may be challenging, but it becomes easier over time, even if you earn the title of Dream Crusher.
For more information about safe practices in sports or home insemination options, feel free to check out this link to our other blog posts. Also, learn more about the At-Home Insemination Kit for a reliable resource. For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, visit the NHS website.
Conclusion
In summary, as parents, we must prioritize our children’s safety over societal pressures to participate in potentially harmful activities like football. The evidence against youth football is mounting, and alternatives exist that can provide the benefits of team sports without the associated risks.