Understanding the Long-Term Brain Damage Risks of Playing Football: Why Do Parents Allow Their Sons?
Introduction
Combat Sports and Contact Sports are very popular worldwide - we’re talking Boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Rugby, and so on. The US is the only nation that’s actually done significant research on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and the actual causes, whether genetic or environmental, are still unknown.
Meanwhile, there are athletes who were fierce competitors and received numerous head traumas yet never developed CTE. On the flip side, there are everyday non-athletic people who suffer a seemingly minor head injury and die later that night. What explains these variations? Should sports inherently pose such risks, and how should parents address them?
Why the Concern?
The question is directed primarily at Americans because of the significant amount of data collected and research conducted in the United States on this topic. However, it is important to note that football and other contact sports with CTE risks are prevalent in other countries, such as Hockey in Canada, and Boxing and MMA across various nations.
For the same reasons parents let their children ride bicycles, ride in cars, go up and down stairs, and take other chances of head injury, they allow them to play football. It’s often about providing physical activity and fostering social interaction rather than exposing them to unnecessary risks.
Financial Incentives and Personal Development
Aside from physical activity, playing football offers financial incentives such as scholarships and professional contracts. These opportunities can significantly impact a child’s future, making the risk of long-term brain damage a complex issue for parents to consider.
Additionally, an underlying cultural sentiment exists in the United States where toughness is valued, rooted in the idea that the country must be ready to defend itself and be prepared for the challenges it faces, both domestically and internationally. This mentality leads to the acceptance of risks in sports, knowing that some participants may be harmed, but that it prepares them for broader life challenges.
Positive Aspects of Sports
Sports can be profoundly positive. They promote physical fitness, teach goal-setting, and encourage teamwork. Physically, they help children develop healthy habits from a young age. Mentally, sports provide an outlet for competitiveness without resorting to violence and teach valuable life skills such as perseverance and teamwork. Moreover, sports bring people together, helping parents bond with their children, teammates with each other, and fans with one another.
Challenges of Sports in the Modern World
Despite these positive aspects, many activities come with inherent risks, such as overeating, smoking, and driving too fast. These risks are known but still practiced, indicating a complex balance of benefits and risks.
If American football ever wanes in popularity, it may well be due to the rise of another sport that offers similar benefits with reduced risks. As our society evolves, so too do the risks and benefits associated with various activities, allowing for informed and balanced decisions regarding which sports and activities are allowed and promoted.
Conclusion
American parents and other parents worldwide face a difficult decision when it comes to allowing their children to play contact sports like football. While the long-term risks of CTE are a valid concern, the benefits, including physical and mental development, financial incentives, and lasting social bonds, are significant. As research progresses and awareness grows, it is crucial to find a balance that ensures engagement in sports while minimizing risks through better safety measures and protocols.