While participation in high school football has decreased from 2008 to 2012, it is unlikely that football will end due to concussion issues. Recent high-profile cases of CTE in former players have brought more publicity to the risks of head trauma from football. However, football remains hugely popular at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. Efforts have been made to increase safety for young players through improved concussion protocols, coaching education, and guidelines limiting heading in youth soccer to protect developing brains. Only time will tell if these changes reduce long-term brain injuries, but football will remain a dominant sport in the United States.

1. Has the Concussion issue decreased participation rates in High School Football?
Ever since US Soccer published their guidelines for limiting heading in Youth Soccer, the
spotlight has burned brighter regarding the risk of brain injury associated with repetitive head
trauma. Statistics have shown that High School Football participation decreased from 2008 to
2012. High profile cases of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), including Junior Seau and
the early proactive retirement of Chris Borland have helped bring this issue to forefront. Is all
this publicity decreasing the participation rates of kids in American football?
The NFL is currently battling their own issues with the suicides of Junior Seau & Dave Duerson
plus the autopsy results of confirmed CTE found in Hall of Fame Players Kenny Stabler & Frank
Gifford. Other notable players have publicly stated they suffer from CTE such as Tony Dorsett
and Jim McMahon. All of the recent information points to a negative effect of chronic trauma
to the head. Some NFL players such as Chris Borland have decided to retire because of the risk
of long term brain injury associated with football. The potential long term risk of CTE is now
more public, leading some to speculate this may be affecting youth participation. According to
National Federation of State High School Associations, Football participation has decreased
from 2008 thru 2012. Concussion rates in high school football are the highest compared to
other sports by a large margin. ESPN reported that Pop Warner participation decreased by
nearly 10% over a two year period.
Are parents becoming more involved and pushing kids away from football?
Does this signal the end of football?
Unlikely!!
Whether you are a fan of American Football or not, the Sport is dominant at the youth level,
high school level, college level and professional level. The NFL is the most powerful Sports
league in the US and dwarfs other sports such as Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Hockey. The
sport isn’t going anywhere.

2. What can be done to ensure the safety of young kids? Youth is where preventative measures
have been focused. Kids are more susceptible to injury than adults. Programs to increase the
awareness of concussions have been emphasized with better education of coaches, parents
and trainers. Concussion protocols have been developed and many youth soccer and football
leagues require concussion training for their coaches. The hope is that better awareness and
proper training can decrease the risk to our kids.
US Soccer in 2015 published guidelines banning heading in kids younger than 10 years of age.
Heading is to be limited to practice only for the age ranges of 11-13. After 13 (high school age),
heading can be performed as needed. The hope of these guidelines is to protect the immature
brain from repetitive head trauma especially between the ages of 10-12 when the brain is
changing.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether these changes lead to less concussions and fewer
incidences of CTE. However, any thought that football is at risk is unrealistic.