Football Safety Measures
With significant medical and safety advancements made in just the past decade, people are becoming more and more aware of the potential dangers of playing football. While most people know about the risk of injury and broken bones, greater awareness is being made of less visible injuries, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). While football continues to be a popular sport amongst youths and professionals alike, it is vital that safety measures continue to evolve. Here are some of the most innovative football safety measures of 2024.
CTE Awareness Campaigns
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease. This disease is caused by repeated blows to the head, making it a common occurrence among tackle football players. The symptoms of CTE include problems with mood, behavioral issues, and memory. There is no test for this disease until post-mortem, and symptoms don’t usually present until years after the injuries. CTE may also, unfortunately, result in early-onset dementia. Football players are especially prone to CTE because of the repetitive trauma to their heads. Awareness of CTE has become a major focus of discussion among football players and the NFL, resulting in changes to make the game safer.
NFL Introduces Guardian Caps
The NFL has now expanded it’s use of Guardian Caps which are soft-shelled helmet covers. These are meant to reduce head impact. Evidence suggests that these caps may significantly decrease the force during two helmets colliding, ultimately resulting in less concussions overall.
No Tackle Football for Younger Children
Another safety measure made in recent years has occurred in the youth league space. Many youth football leagues and schools have begun to prohibit tackle football playing in children under the age of 12. These children may instead play safer alternatives to tackle football, such as flag football. In fact, studies of NFL players have proven that playing before high school does not affect how well a student will play as an adult. By saving their developing brain and body from concussions and other injuries during these younger years, students who wait until high school to play will excel and can go on to have successful careers in football.
Greater Awareness of Non-Invasive Therapies
2024 was a great year for athletes and how they are becoming more serious about their health. Physical health is paramount to being a competitive athlete, yet so many football players ignore pain and discomfort in their muscles, joints, and bones. Advancements in physical therapy and sports injury prevention have become extremely popular for its ability to help so many athletes avoid injury. This year we saw innovative therapies such as non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord that can help players with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, physical therapy services are continuing to help injured athletes return to their sport stronger than ever.
Learn More About Football Safety With Dr. Chams
Dr. Roger Chams is a team physician for many youth and professional athletic associations and teams. Dr. Chams is passionate about injury prevention, particularly among football players who are at risk of traumatic injuries every time they step onto the field. To learn more about football safety, injury prevention, or professional injury treatment, contact Dr. Chams today.
