Concussion risk

The NFL posted its injury rates for the 2014 season and there was a drop in the number of concussions.

 

I will not get into the specifics of the article, but what is important to highlight is the fact that the VP of player health and safety said that teams were focusing on ‘heads up tackling’. The number of concussions suffered by players from head to head or shoulder to head was 50% of 2013’s numbers.

 

The take home point for athletes, coaches, fans and athletic trainers is that while concussions will always be a part of the game (and sports in general) it is possible to decrease the risk of injury. By learning proper technique of tackling with the head up, concussion injuries can be decreased.

 

Neurosurgeon’s have now weighed in on their thoughts about concussions and youth sports: the risk of sustaining CTE through sports is far lower than the risk of sustaining heart disease, diabetes and cancer through inactivity.

Proper training, rules and awareness should encourage younger individuals to join team sports, get active and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

 

If your team is not being taught how to tackle appropriately, it is time to speak up. Play safe and have fun. 

 

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/more-news/nfl-reports-significant-drop-in-concussions.html?topic=5,100&eid=277204494&bid=1004478

 

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/athlete-safety/neurologists-weigh-risk-to-kids-of-contact-sports-br.html?topic=4,100&eid=277204494&bid=1004478