New medical studies indicate that 40%-70% for football players suffer concussions each year. To reduce the frequency and severity of concussions, the entire football community needs to adopt and participate in an integrated strategy. We need strict rule enforcement, effective standards for equipment, innovative helmet designs, parental investment in safety equipment, players to sit out until recovered, a consistent media voice, and a clear message from the entire medial community.
Accomplishing this goal takes a team, no one person or group can do it alone. We need a strategy that includes education and action -- even when those actions are not easy. Developing new helmet standards that are focused on both subdural hematomas and reducing the frequency and severity of concussions will not be easy. Producing a helmet that attenuates sufficient force to maintain peak forces below concussion thresholds will not be easy. Making concussions as credible as a broken leg will not be easy for the medical community. But easier is not necessarily better.
We need a multifaceted solution to address a complex problem � a solution that includes parents, governing bodies, coaches, athletes, medical professionals, and the media.
Parents need to be empowered with knowledge on concussions, game rules, helmet safety standards particularly new versus reconditioned. Parents need to take action - benching their child if injured and investing in their own protective equipment as they do in most other sports.
Governing bodies have enforcement authority, the ability to mandate spearing penalties be called, helmet standards be revised, and concussion management program be implemented.
Coaches are the core of the football community. They need to effectively communicate to athletes and parents to develop a culture where concussions are credible injuries and leading with the head in blocking, tackling and running are unacceptable.
Athletes need to take responsibility for their long-term health and safety and recognize the brain is special and no one brain is any tougher than any other.
Medical professions need to send a clear message parents, coaches and athletes can recognize and understand about the severity and long- term effects of concussions.
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