Each autumn, my partner and I find ourselves in a familiar debate with our children. When they express interest in playing football, our answer is an unwavering no, leading to their inevitable disappointment. This cycle repeats every year—it’s tiresome and frustrating, yet we remain steadfast in our position against football.
My feelings about football used to be more ambiguous. When my son was in first grade, he played flag football and enjoyed it immensely. In second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to join a tackle football team, not wanting to be labeled the Dream Crusher. At just eight years old, he was convinced that his destiny was to become an NFL star, and he often reminded me of it during our discussions about the sport.
Our conversations typically went like this: I’d point out the slim chances of making it to the NFL, while he insisted that starting young was crucial for his dream. Tears would flow as he lamented the destruction of his hopes. I would promise to discuss it with his father, all the while my mind was screaming, “Absolutely not!“
Back then, I was torn. My intuition had always guided my parenting, but football presented a dilemma for which I lacked clarity. Five years ago, emerging research was highlighting the dangers of football, but there was still some debate about the risks associated with age and playtime. I had made decisions that contradicted expert advice in other areas of parenting, but football left me uncertain and questioning.
If I banned football, would I also have to exclude hockey, skiing, or rock climbing? And what about the parents who allowed their children to play football? Wouldn’t we be hypocrites for cheering on college players while denying our kids the same opportunity? Ultimately, I let my son give it a shot, but fortunately, he chose not to continue.
Fast forward to today, and my stance has never been clearer. My children will not be playing football—period.
What Shifted My Perspective?
So, what shifted my perspective? The growing body of evidence around football’s dangers has become impossible to ignore. A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology reveals that the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is linked not just to the number of concussions, but to the years spent playing. Research from Boston University analyzed the brains of over 260 deceased football players, concluding that the risk of CTE doubles for every 2.6 years of play. To put it simply, a child starting tackle football at age five faces a tenfold increase in risk for CTE compared to a player who begins at fourteen.
Additionally, a New York Times report highlighted a study indicating that former tackle players face double the chances of developing severe forms of CTE for every 5.3 years they played. The Seattle Children’s Research Institute also found alarming statistics: about 5% of football players aged 5-14 sustain concussions each season—much higher than previously believed.
As a result, fewer parents are allowing their children to participate in football, and societal attitudes are shifting away from it. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compares the potential long-term effects of football in children to the dangers of smoking cigarettes. This initiative is part of the “Tackle Can Wait” campaign, which encourages parents to delay tackle football until their children are at least fourteen to minimize the risk of CTE.
While age fourteen isn’t a definitive solution, studies indicate that children who suffer brain injuries before twelve recover significantly slower. By encouraging kids to wait, parents may help them avoid football altogether, which I’ve witnessed in my own sons. Their eagerness for football has waned as they explore various activities and sports.
Alternatives to Football
However, some parents remain hesitant to adopt the “wait to play” or “no football ever” philosophy. Many believe in the benefits of team sports, which are substantial, but numerous alternatives exist that carry far less risk of serious injury. Others argue that all sports involve risks, which is true. I swam competitively and endured my share of injuries, yet these don’t compare to the potential for lifelong brain trauma.
Some parents assert that football is becoming safer, citing changes in rules and coaching strategies. However, injuries still occur, as evidenced by incidents like the recent injury to a Green Bay Packers player during a “clean” tackle. Others maintain that since risks are inherent to all life experiences, we should encourage our kids to pursue their passions.
I empathize with this perspective; I was in a similar mindset five years ago when my son labeled me a Dream Crusher. However, as parents, our primary duty is to ensure our children’s safety while they explore their passions. We must draw the line at activities we deem hazardous, regardless of how much they might love them. Just as we wouldn’t let our children run through busy streets or ride without seatbelts, we can’t allow them to engage in football when the risks are so pronounced.
If your child is adamant about playing football, consider alternatives like flag football or TackleBar, where players wear traditional gear and use foam bars to teach safe tackling techniques—this option has been shown to be seven times safer than standard football. As challenging as it may be, standing firm on a “no” can become easier over time, even if it earns you the title of Dream Crusher.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, while the allure of football may be strong for many children, the risks associated with the sport, particularly concerning brain injuries like CTE, cannot be ignored. As parents, we must prioritize safety above all and consider waiting for our children to explore this sport or opting for safer alternatives.