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National youth sports organization Pop Warner announced Tuesday that it will limit the amount of contact drills in football practice. The decision is the most recent effort to prevent possible brain injuries suffered while playing the game.
“We think right off the bat that with this change we can eliminate 60-plus percent of the brain impacts or concussions,” Dr. Julian Bailes, chairman of the Pop Warner medical advisory board and co-director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute in Illinois, told The New York Times.
To localize:
Is there a Pop Warner league in your area? Get feedback from the coaches, parents and players.
Ask the local medical community if more steps need to be taken to protect young athletes.
Will high school programs take similar precautions? Talk with the local athletic directors and coaches. What would be the reasons for not taking proper steps?
Some states have addressed this concern through legislation. Check with state and local officials for their viewpoints.
Start a conversation through social media. This is a topic that has momentum, and there are a lot of passionate views.
