Increasing Safety for High School Football Players

Football is a full-contact sport, and injury is often part of the risk. With the increased knowledge of concussion rates, many high school football associations are implementing rules to keep players safe. A number of states already have regulations in place regarding this issue.

One of the methods for reducing head impact is to limit full-contact practices. Several schools have restricted full-contact practices to twice per week. Most coaches feel they can have productive practice sessions without full contact. There is no guarantee that this method will reduce concussions, but logic says fewer head impacts will result in fewer concussions. Linemen are most vulnerable to head impact, so they receive the most protection frp, these practice restrictions.

Of course, safety gear is crucial in football. It is important, especially for young people, to have proper equipment. While injury is a real risk for players of any full-contact sport, there are ways to help avoid getting hurt. School districts understand their responsibility to protect players. New restrictions are being implemented, not to intentionally inconvenience coaches or players, but rather to increase safety for the players.