American football is the most popular sport in the United States with over five million players annually, most of these between the ages of six and eighteen. All sports offer great benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health. Children should be encouraged to participate in multiple sports; however, football is different.

Why Football?

Football is the ultimate team sport that drives children to learn invaluable life skills. These include individual skills involved with time-management, work ethic, mental and physical toughness, delayed gratification, and integrity. Also, social skills are fostered like using effective communication, building relationships, cooperating in groups, and understanding servant leadership. While all sports involve this type of development, football is argued as the most effective.

Football has Risks that Can Be Mitigated

Over the recent years, there is a lot of controversy about American football. Due to the injury risk and potential long-term complications, many have questioned whether it should be allowed for children and adolescents. Others have argued that it should be banned completely.

Risks with playing football are similar to playing other contact and collision sports. But those involving head and neck injuries may be greater in football. For instance, concussion rates are higher among football than other team contact sports. Additionally, there are possible risks with repetitive subconcussive head impacts that occur during football.

While there are risks with playing football, it is my opinion that the benefits of football far outweigh any potential risks, especially at the youth and high school levels. At the same time, there are preventative measures that can decrease these risks along with treatment strategies that can improve outcomes of these injuries.

Who Should Read?

The purpose of this blog is to educate people about the exceptional benefits of playing football, the potential risks that are involved, and the strategies to employ to decrease these risks. This blog is for those who question football, especially parents of children who want to play but are not permitted. Every child should be allowed to play whatever sport they desire. Additionally, this information is beneficial for football fans, notably for those who know about the risks but turn a blind eye to continue enjoying what they love.

This blog will benefit parents and coaches who want the ability to identify concussions and the strategies necessary to prevent them. Coaches may also learn new techniques or information to implement with their teams regarding skills pertaining to football, individual growth, and team development. Medical professionals may learn about alternative treatment and management options for their patients and athletes with concussions or postconcussion syndrome.

I Have a Bias

Because this is a controversial topic, there will be many who disagree with me. I recognize that I have biases in this area, but I am open-minded about other opinions. I encourage questioning and discussion so that I can continually to refine my views and readers can learn more effectively.

In the end, choosing to play a sport like football is an individual decision that must be made between the player and parents. Personal risks and benefits must be weighed based on previous injury history, current available evidence, and additional medical advice.

I really hope this blog can be beneficial to all readers. Whether you agree or disagree, please share with others who might be interested in the topic!

Dr. Nick & Coach Schmeed