This Friday some local young men will suit up and head to the field for a competition that is immensely popular in Pearl River County, high school football.
A week ago two players were taken off the field at local games and loaded into an ambulance to be taken to a hospital for medical care due to injuries suffered on the field.
Thankfully none of the injuries were reported to be fatal, but there is an inherent risk when our children suit up and head out into the Friday night lights.
But how dangerous is this full contact sport really?
Modern football incorporates a number of safety features that include helmets with face masks and shoulder pads. But are these safety features enough to protect our children from the dangers that come with head on collisions and tackles that twist limbs?
In the early days of American football safety features were limited at best, if even existent. Most helmets back then consisted of nothing but a thin layer of leather.
But even with all of the protection offered today injuries occur and this fact may leave some parents reticent to put their child in harm’s way.
Some may have heard about the recent deaths of at least three students nationwide, allegedly because of injuries sustained while on the field.
In the recent past the NFL has agreed to pay money to ex-players who suffered brain damage due to injuries suffered on the field.
It’s common knowledge that any physical activity, especially one that involves full contact such as football, is dangerous.
xAnd the professionals are compensated quite handsomely.
However, that does not mean that additional safety precautions can’t be implemented. There’s no reason to accept the equipment and procedures in place as being good enough. Let’s move towards a safer game with better protection.