Half of all Americans don't want sons playing Football

[Dr C. Hill]

My how things have changed:

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/a...ericans-dont-want-their-sons-playing-football

For the record, my 8 year old son will not be playing football either, unless he really wants to when he gets into to high school. I will encourage him to continue what he is doing now; Swimming, running, and golf. Those are life sports, football is a young man's game with some big, long term, old man consequences. If he wants to play, I will make sure he knows what he is in for.

Football is my favorite sport, and I want my son to love it as well. I just don't want him to be wounded beyond repair while playing it. I'm curious how others feel about this. I am also curious about what you all think about the potential of the sport's decline in the future.

 

[Sum1]

Half!?!?

Pssshhh....women...

 

[RamzFanz]

My how things have changed:

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/a...ericans-dont-want-their-sons-playing-football

For the record, my 8 year old son will not be playing football either, unless he really wants to when he gets into to high school. I will encourage him to continue what he is doing now; Swimming, running, and golf. Those are life sports, football is a young man's game with some big, long term, old man consequences. If he wants to play, I will make sure he knows what he is in for.

Football is my favorite sport, and I want my son to love it as well. I just don't want him to be wounded beyond repair while playing it. I'm curious how others feel about this. I am also curious about what you all think about the potential of the sport's decline in the future.

A) I really hate your avatar. Maybe you want people to hate it, if so, good job.

B) I would never allow my sons to play football if I had sons. Not the way it is. Allowing a youth to play football is akin to saying go be a stunt car driver with no safety equipment.

 

[jrry32]

Don't have any kids. But my opinion now is that I'd leave it up to my kids.

 

[Dr C. Hill]

Option A RamzFanz, option A. Sorry, I find myself lost in the butt floss of your avatar...

If you are an 80's guy, you need to see the low budget, horror classic, "Re-Animator". That is the severed head of Dr Carl Hill. What he does with that co-ed and his severed head is the stuff of legend! If you have not seen the film I suggest that you give it a gander!

 

[Dodgersrf]

Option A RamzFanz, option A. Sorry, I find myself lost in the butt floss of your avatar...

If you are an 80's guy, you need to see the low budget, horror classic, "Re-Animator". That is the severed head of Dr Carl Hill. What he does with that co-ed and his severed head is the stuff of legend! If you have not seen the film I suggest that you give it a gander!

I always wondered myself.
I remember the movie .....and the scene.
How could anyone forget it.
I enjoyed the movie at the time. Haven't seen it in 20 years.

 

[blue4]

Not unless he was desperate to play. I still remember one of my friends in HS being choppered away with a broken neck while we all stood on the field shocked.

 

[Rams and Gators]

I wouldn't let my kids do anything, no crossing the road in case a car comes out of nowhere, no driving in case you crash (if they're old enough), no listening to loud music in case it damages your hearing, no eating food in case you choke on it...

 

[Pancake]

I would let them play. Probably less risk involved than turning sixteen and driving a car.

 

[Corbin]

That's why I don't want my kids joining the military, GOD forbid they do anything physical with their lives.

 

[drasconis]

Well that is a worthless article - and maybe study....

There has always been a large number of parents that felt that way (I grew up in 70-80s there wer plenty then also). "Revelation" that the well off do not want their kids playing it - of course not they are hoping they get academic scholarships, or they see their kids playing more "Refined" sports. (sorry do not know how to do blue text).

Wonder what the percentages are that do not want there kids doing "extreme" sports either - wow those are just shrinking fast.....so few kids do them....


Sorry the article seems to just be trying to stir it up....though I may have woken on wrong side of bed.

 

[blue4]

I like how people just assume you coddle your kids if you discourage them from playing football. It's hardly a life milestone like driving or a noble choice like being a member of the military. It's a sport, and one with a very high injury risk. It's a risk/reward decision. If your son is 6'3 240 it may potentially pay for college. If you're like my son, who is shaping up to be a very dad-like 5'7 145, it's probably not the best of ideas. Encouraging him to play soccer or baseball instead of football is common sense in that situation. Doesn't mean I would forbid it, just discourage it.

 

[Ramrasta]

Most injuries depend on how you play and what position you are. If your kid becomes a punter, there isn't much to stress over.

 

[rhinobean]

After me and my brother started playing junior football, our dad decided we couldn't due to the teachings of the coaches! Blocking low. at the legs didn't set well with him and I get much more now than I did then! Need your joints and ligaments for later in life! Love watching but if I'd had sons and not daughters, they'd be playing golf!

 

[mr.stlouis]

When I was HS, I felt duped on a very high level that my school didn't have football. Blowing out my knee would have been worth it. That's how much I loved it. If I have a son that feels that strongly about it, he won't be neglected like I was.

If I have a son that hates sports like my younger brother, I'll just buy him a Game Boy and well play Pok e' Mon or something.

 

[Sum1]

A) I really hate your avatar. Maybe you want people to hate it, if so, good job.

B) I would never allow my sons to play football if I had sons. Not the way it is. Allowing a youth to play football is akin to saying go be a stunt car driver with no safety equipment.

What?...No it isn't even close to that.

 

[Sum1]

I'm going to encourage my future son(s) to try all sports and support whichever direction they want to go in. If my son is lucky enough/works hard enough to have a chance to play college or pro ball in either baseball or football I'd probably encourage him to go with baseball, all things being equal...but if he clearly is a football player then so be it.

There may be more injuries of serious nature in football than other sports, but to assume you are going to come out on the other end totally damaged no matter what is a myth. The media has blown it up to be even greater than what it truly is, IMO.

 

[LetsGoRams]

I played and was halfway decent (all-conference), and could've played for some small colleges, but opted to play baseball. I started when I was like 7 years old. I loved it. Some of my best memories and wouldn't trade it for anything. Football is the one sport that I never really got hurt playing (other than a few twisted ankles, cuts, etc)... My worst injuries came playing baseball and basketball (which to me, was much rougher!). My little guy is 5 now and loves football. I will leave it up to him, but he says he wants to play and I will support him. Selfishly, I can't wait to see him play football, and I will do my best to teach him proper techniques to avoid injuries.

 

[fearsomefour]

I would let them play. Probably less risk involved than turning sixteen and driving a car.

This is a valid point.
Football is a great game that teaches young guys great lessons about working hard, team work and all the rest of the cliche' sports stuff....but its true.
My son was a very good football player as a younger kid then as he entered high school he hit some weird growth spurts and struggled a bit with the game. He played a couple years and then switched to basketball/baseball full time. He suffered bruised ribs, a broken toe and a couple of concussions when he was playing (only one concussion diagnosed). The culture of football has begun to change as a result of all the concussion protocol stuff in the NFL. That is a good thing. I have coached a bit at the youth level and have a couple of friends that are exceptional youth coaches (playing for the Pop Warner national championship this week in Florida) and there is high awareness now of injuries and injury prevention (really focused on proper technique). But, it is a physical game and kids are going to get hurt. The vast, vast majority of injuries are bumps and bruises. All of that said, I understand the concern. I would not prevent a kid from playing but kids and parents need to go into it with open eyes. The hardest part of the game to change across the board in my opinion is coaching. Good, quality coaching with the emphasis in the right areas....still hard to find I think.

 

[fearsomefour]

Most injuries depend on how you play and what position you are. If your kid becomes a punter, there isn't much to stress over.

Valid point....or even a WR who knows how to protect himself. My son was injured three times playing football....twice making tackles and once playing QB.
This discussion in a way reminds of driving around this Halloween day with the radio on. In several hours I heard 3 radio spots about where to take your kid trick or treat candy to get checked for tampering. This is a real thing, but, effecting probably fewer than 10 kids a year in a massive country. How many kids in this country don't have enough to eat everyday?
Our culture has a real tendency to focus on the wrong things. Football should be made as safe as possible for kids of course. Progress is being made. But, it is not nearly the most dangerous thing kids do. Skateboarding, driving, riding in the car with others and dealing with messed up household or abusive parents....much larger risk to kids in general than football.