Urgent Require To Protect HS Football Players From Brain Damage!

Following holding six conferences with Hall of Fame Quarterback Warren Moon on athletic concussions from 1995 to 2008 I have named athletic concussions a ticking time bomb and undiagnosed health epidemic. I had a crisis of conscience in representing hundreds of NFL players who repeatedly were hit in the head in games and practice. I now believe that each time an offensive lineman hits a defensive lineman at the inception of each play it produces a low degree sub-concussive hit. A lineman who plays in higher college, university, and the pros may possibly retire with 10,0000 sub-concussive hits, none of which were diagnosed, none of which he is mindful of. The aggregate of these hits make brain injury significantly more serious than being knocked out three occasions. Prominent neurologists and researchers like Robert Cantu, Julian Bailes, Kevin Guskiewicz, Kristen Willeumier, and David Hovda report that three or much more concussions might lead to exponentially increased rates of Alzheimer’s, ALS, dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and depression. This is diverse from other injuries. Brain function offers memory, judgment, and persona – what it signifies to be a sentient human being. That is why we are forming a new foundation, “Athletes Speak,” with players advocating awareness and prevention.

“I now think that every single time an offensive lineman hits a defensive lineman at the inception of every play it generates a reduced degree sub-concussive hit. A lineman who plays in substantial college, college, and the pros may retire with 10,0000 sub-concussive hits, none of which had been diagnosed, none of which he is conscious of. The aggregate of these hits produce brain harm a lot much more significant than getting knocked out three instances.” – Leigh Steinberg

The adolescent brain is at significantly increased chance than that of older players . The brain is nonetheless in the formative phases throughout the teenage many years. It will take an estimated 3 occasions longer for consequences from concussions to clear in this group. Actual brain advancement can be retarded. These youthful individuals are students who are nevertheless in the midst of their training. Gear at this degree can be much less than stellar. This is a group that needs specific protection.

A movement is growing across the country to safeguard youthful football gamers. Football is not the only make contact with sport and other athletes need to have protection also. Visionary California State Assemblyman, Ken Cooley, just proposed a law which passed the two houses limiting substantial college and middle school football practices. No complete speak to drills are permitted in the off-season and are  limited throughout the season. Nineteen states have passed equivalent legislation and much more are pending. SMU Head Football Coach June Jones has a range of educating tactics that limit practice make contact with without impairing group achievement. He has not permitted tackling throughout pre-season for in excess of twenty many years, commencing with the Atlanta Falcons. The Sports Legacy Institute estimates that in higher school football, 60-75% of head trauma occurs in practice, not in video games. This contrasts with a lower charge in the NFL.

Former New Orleans Saints front office executive Terry O’Neil has founded a new movement, “Practice Like the Pros,” created to restrict get in touch with on large school practice fields. He has assembled a prestigious board with co-chairs, Ronnie Lott and John Madden, and has the assistance of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to actively push the initiative. There is even a LinkedIn LinkedIn Group, Mothers Against Concussions, raising awareness.

Terry O’Neil, founder, speaks at “Practice Like the Pros” 1st seminar in August 2013 (T&ampG Personnel/PAUL KAPTEYN)

Meanwhile the search for far more protective helmetry continues. Jenny Morgan, CEO of Tate Technology, has a promising coil and compression helmet style to attenuate the vitality force. A new head cap made by Noggin Sports activities can be worn under helmets to give much more safety. A selection of sideline units have been developed that can detect a sub-concussive hit in real time so an impacted player doesn’t return to perform. Medical professionals and researchers across the nation are racing for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical options to one) prophylactically help the brain be significantly less at-chance for concussion, two) stop the swelling at time of influence, and three) actually heal a brain which has been impaired. Dr. Jacob Vanlandingham has produced one particular novel answer. Dr. Daniel Amen and his associate Dr. Kristen Willeumier have had promising benefits for several retired gamers with the use of a  hyperbaric chamber. Dr. Robert Stern, Ann McKee, and pioneering former football player Chris Nowinski have a promising examine at Boston University. There are a lot of heroes in this movement.

I adore football and consider it teaches life lessons and values. Self-discipline, teamwork, genuine time application of complicated plays, courage under pressure, resilience, and amazing camaraderie are all positive aspects. But if 50% of the mothers in this country understand the danger and forbid their teenage sons from playing, it poses an existential threat to football. The game won’t die, but the socio-economics of the players will change. The identical athletes who use a sport like boxing to escape financial situations, even being aware of the threat, will compose the majority of players. Football will never be damage cost-free, but we can act now to make it safer. Parenting is our most essential position on this earth – we need to have to safeguard the most vulnerable youth.

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Urgent Require To Protect HS Football Players From Brain Damage!