football, my son. What do I need to know?

[Dobela]

My ds will be 11 next week. He has been begging to play football for over a year now. Size wise he is ok. About 5ft 4, weighs about 150, wears a men's shoe that is 11+.... But, yes, he is my baby LOL.

 

A small local Christian school is starting spring training today and ds has been invited to work out with them. They were hoping to have a 'pre junior high team' but not enough kids have signed up yet. Becuase of this they have invited those who wanted the younger team to be part of this team. He would be practicing with the jr high kids, most of those are 12-14yo.

 

What questions should I be asking? I have already said that we would try it out and that my first concern was whether or not he is mature enough to handle it. I have spoken to families I trust about the program and have heard great things, but this is a new coach this year. We are not paying or committing to anything yet.

[cathmom]

Is it full contact?

 

Make sure that he stays really hydrated if he's playing when it's hot out. Make sure he understands why, and I would talk to the coaches and assistant coaches to make sure they understand proper hydration.

[Dobela]

Yes, full contact. At his age that is all that is available thru any organization here including Boys clubs and such.

 

Hydration is a big one on my list.

[In The Great White North]

http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000

 

Free course on concussions from the NFHS.

 

Find out if your coach/program follows the recommendations.

 

In addition, since effects of a concussion can show up a few hours after the injury, they should assume a concussion after EVERY head injury and not let the athlete continue to play. Repetitive concussions are far more dangerous and that would include two within five minutes, before any symptoms appear.

[cathmom]

Honestly, I don't know if I would let an 11 yo play full contact. I'm a big football fan, and my oldest played flag football and then 2 years of full contact, his junior and senior years of high school. But I've been really concerned lately about concussions and injuries, and I'm glad my son decided not to play football in college (he is assistant coaching instead).

 

I have had concussions in my life, and they are not fun. In 1997 I had a small one, and then a few months later got another one and had to spend 6 weeks at home not driving to recuperate. This is an issue the NFL really needs to address (if they ever figure out how to split $9 billion and start playing again). They need to stop leading with their heads.

 

I'd go to the first practice and see how much bigger the 12-14 yo players are in comparison to your son. If they are mostly bigger/heavier, I would really not want him to play. If he's the same size, and the coaches are following the recommendations for minimizing injuries and concussions, then maybe I would be OK with it.

 

Good luck!

[ktgrok]

Pop Warner is another option, and they are supposed to be good about preventing head injuries.

 

My son wants to play Pop Warner this year, and I will let him, but he is REALLY light, so I have other worries, lol. He's under 5ft and only 65lbs.

[MBM]

I would want to know how the school deals with concussions and repeated head injuries. Our school takes them very seriously as they should. They are nothing to mess around with because even decades later, head injuries can be quite serious in someone who had a concussion (or repeated head injuries) many years earlier.

Also, do the coaches allow tired players to rest, or are they expected to keep going?

[Dobela]

Thanks so much for the input. I am very concerned about injuries. I just hate that he has such a desire to play. He has never wanted to play before this year and since Christmas it has almost become an obsession. He watches and reads everything he can about football. I have this huge hope that after today he will decide that the workouts and expectations are more than he wants to take on right now. We did decide to let him try this since we don't have to formally commit to anything before fall.

 

I also wish more flag football was available here. But no the mentality here seems to be, when football is king why 'wimp out' with just flags?

 

Thanks for the information about Pop Warner. I had not heard of it before. Unfortunately the nearest team is 75 miles away :sad:

[Starr]

It is considered quite a dangerous sport especially for young people. It bears research on your part. Search concussions here on the boards.

[RanchGirl]

If you decide to let him play, make sure he has a properly fitted helmet and I would also get a a baseline cognitive test. Our local hospital recommends them annually for all athletes age 11 and up. The cost is only $5. It gives them a point of reference should they need to assess him for concussion later on.

[Aggie]

I just read this article...

 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/02/nfl.player.suicide/index.html

[AuntieM]

One year of high school football was all I could take, as a mom watching from the stands!

 

I will just echo all that others have said about the hydration, head injury policy, size of your son relative to other players, number of teammates (too few leads to fatigue and injuries, too many means your kid may get little actual field time).

 

I will add that you need to make your academic standards known up front. Football takes a lot of time, not just in practicing, but in your travel to and from practice and games. It can render you and your player totally exhausted at times. Be sure you make your academics a priority, or they can get neglected. That seems like a no brainer, but as home schoolers I think it's realistic to admit that sometimes the necessary gets deferred in order to address the urgent.

 

Also, ask yourself how you will handle this when your now eleven year old reaches high school age. Will you continue to allow him to play? It's a tougher, more dangerous, more time consuming activity at that level.

 

I don't mean to scare you, or discourage you, but you really ought to google around and look at the news stories regarding serious injury. In the last several years a number of young men in the Midwest have actually died on the field or as a result of what happened in a game. A KC Chiefs player was on the evening news yesterday talking about the effects of repetitive head trauma. A colleague of his had recently committed suicide, but not before leaving a note asking for an autopsy to examine his brain specifically for the damaging effects of trauma related to his football career. He believed it had led to permanent, mentally debilitating brain damage. In my opinion, no recreational activity is worth this kind of risk, and this news story from yesterday seems to indicate that even the pro players have questions.

 

I know there are many here that have sons with fantastic football experiences, the above is just my own opinion and observations.

[Jan in SC]

I think he would end up playing with older kids in Pop Warner, based on his weight. In our local Rec league, he would have a bright orange sticker on his helmet and wouldn't be allowed to tackle, as he is heavier than 120-130.

 

You might ask if he is restricted to the line in his league. That would be a good way to start and it would have less injury factor.

 

My almost ten year old is 60 pounds and 4 and a half feet tall. I don't let him play tackle and unless he puts on 50 pounds of muscle, he never will!!

He wanted to play tackle until he met with the orthopedist for a division 1 university. The guy told him that he would never let his son play until he was at least 14.

However, your son is the opposite size of mine, so he might be fine! Maybe you could encourage lacrosse. It uses pads and is a lot safer!

[AuntieM]

Aggie linked the story I mentioned in my post above.

 

Also, last year a local high school player had to have a leg amputated as a result of a football injury. Sad.

Edited May 5, 2011 by AuntieM

[Spy Car]

Football is a great sport for a young man who really desires to play and 11 is a good age to start. Starting now is actually far preferable to starting later (if he is going to play eventually) as the skills involved in playing the sport safely are better developed when boys are relatively light. Starting in High School is a very bad move.

 

There is a risk of injury in any sport. Flag football can be more dangerous than playing with full pads as players have no helmet to protect them. The two fellow football players I knew who were injured most badly were not hurt playing American football, but playing Soccer in the off-season and having an unprotected head-to-head collision.

 

The padding players wear in football does a pretty fine job protecting them. Is it a 100% guarantee against injury? No. You need to weigh the benefits of strength, conditioning, character-building, team-play, positive release of male-energy and all the other benefits of playing football against the small risk of injury.

 

The greatest legitimate area of concern is the coach and coaching staff, and the attitudes around the league he would be competing in. If coaches are criminally-minded then you want no business with them.

 

A child of a parent on this forum who started late and did not know how to play was used as a defenseless tackling dummy and sustained head injuries. The coach was guilty of criminal behavior and ought to be behind bars. This is neither "typical" or "necessary", but knowing the child is going to be playing for a coach of good character is of paramount importantance.

 

Even beyond the "safety" issue (which is important) football is an almost unique sport in how it can teach young men to play with honor. This value needs to be intrinsic to the coaching. Football coaches help mold young men's characters (for good or ill) so know who you are dealing with.

 

I loved playing the game, and have undying gratitude towards my parents for making it possible for me to play. Best wishes in your decision.

 

Bill

Edited May 5, 2011 by Spy Car

[Denisemomof4]

I can't help but chime in with our experience. Our ds15 had begged for years to play football and I finally let my guard down. On his SECOND day of practice he suffered a double concussion. The behavior problems and grade slippage were IMMEDIATE and still continuing a year and a half later. He was recently diagnosed with conduct disorder and the doctor believes us, the parents, that his behaviors have been on a constant downward spiral, but more importantly, there are numerous reports from various school personnel since this happened. TWO DAYS after his DC was our first call, from a teacher who wanted to know if anything was bothering my son or if he had psychological issues. The behavioral issues were immediate.

 

I would never, EVER allow any kid of mine to do anything that could potentially cause a head injury EVER AGAIN. My dd11 wants to horseback ride in the worst way. NO WAY. Don't EVEN go there. We have both a horse AND a pony and this makes my firm decision even harder.

 

If I had never let my guard down we wouldn't be in the predicament we're in. I fear his head injury is going to be lifelong. I suffered a severe concussion (TBI) myself 4.5 years ago and NEVER returned to who I once was. :crying:

Edited May 5, 2011 by Denisemomof4

[Denisemomof4]

A child of a parent on this forum who started late and did not know how to play was used as a defenseless tackling dummy and sustained head injuries. The coach was guilty of criminal behavior and ought to be behind bars. This is neither "typical" or "necessary", but knowing the child is going to be playing for a coach of good character is of paramount importantance.

 

 

 

 

this would be my child. He's going to eventually be seen by a pediatric neurologist who has specifically studied head injuries football players suffer, and specific injuries while wearing a football helmet. Head injuries with football are VERY common.

 

I agree with Bill in that starting earlier is a better idea. My son was 6'2 last year in the 9th grade so that's why everyone was after him to sign up. He started TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE SEASON ENDED. Most kids had numerous years under their belt, all kids but my son and one other had the entire season under their belt. The other kid who signed up with ds left crying on the first day when the coaches worked ds and thsi kid so hard that they threw up. Ds showed up the second day and the coaches were shocked.

[In The Great White North]

I would also get a a baseline cognitive test. Our local hospital recommends them annually for all athletes age 11 and up. The cost is only $5. It gives them a point of reference should they need to assess him for concussion later on.

 

They've done this with all our high school football players. And put little sensors in their helmets to measure the amount of "g's" the brain is subjected to on impact (It was MUCH higher than expected!) The school has signed up for some concussion study through the local medical center. After a concussion, their cognitive test has to return to normal (what they tested before the injury) before they are allowed to return to play.

 

http://dartmed.dartmouth.edu/fall05/html/disc_tackling.php

 

http://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/news/newsdetail/57938/

[Spy Car]

this would be my child. He's going to eventually be seen by a pediatric neurologist who has specifically studied head injuries football players suffer, and specific injuries while wearing a football helmet. Head injuries with football are VERY common.

 

I agree with Bill in that starting earlier is a better idea. My son was 6'2 last year in the 9th grade so that's why everyone was after him to sign up. He started TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE SEASON ENDED. Most kids had numerous years under their belt, all kids but my son and one other had the entire season under their belt. The other kid who signed up with ds left crying on the first day when the coaches worked ds and thsi kid so hard that they threw up. Ds showed up the second day and the coaches were shocked.

 

You have to know Denise the rage I still feel when I think of what happened to your son. This was criminal behavior on the part of this "coach." Your son's injuries were fully preventable. He should not have been put into the position of being injured the first time, and after "having his bell rung" should NEVER!, EVER!!, have been subject to more of the same. This was not "football", but reckless endangerment of your son. The coach should be behind bars.

 

No person in their right mind would take a 15 year old kid who had never boxed and put him in the ring with a kid in "Golden Gloves" and allow them to take repeated beating. It would be criminal. What happened to your son was criminal. No other words for it.

 

I'm very angry and terribly sorry about what was done to your son. It was inexcusable.

 

Bill

[Denisemomof4]

You have to know Denise the rage I still feel when I think of what happened to your son. This was criminal behavior on the part of this "coach." Your son's injuries were fully preventable. He should not have been put into the position of being injured the first time, and after "having his bell rung" should NEVER!, EVER!!, have been subject to more of the same. This was not "football", but reckless endangerment of your son. The coach should be behind bars.

 

No person in their right mind would take a 15 year old kid who had never boxed and put him in the ring with a kid in "Golden Gloves" and allow them to take repeated beating. It would be criminal. What happened to your son was criminal. No other words for it.

 

I'm very angry and terribly sorry about what was done to your son. It was inexcusable.

 

Bill

 

I agree, Bill. Thank you.

 

To be honest, it angers me that everyone goes on with life as usual but my son and our family has suffered more than anyone on this board knows. NONE of our lives will ever be the same again because of this.

 

I'm thankful the specialist will be seeing my son but I have little confidence that anything will be done to change his condition or our situation.

[Spy Car]

I agree, Bill. Thank you.

 

To be honest, it angers me that everyone goes on with life as usual but my son and our family has suffered more than anyone on this board knows. NONE of our lives will ever be the same again because of this.

 

I'm thankful the specialist will be seeing my son but I have little confidence that anything will be done to change his condition or our situation.

 

Denise, this man should not be coaching football. I am not vindictive by nature, nor am I anti-football (obviously), but no man should be allowed to purposefully and willfully put a young man in a position where deliberately exposed to head injury. Then injured, and then put back in the position to be injured once again. This is not football. This is madness. Criminal behavior!

 

I can't tell you what to do, but I would be raising hell. This coach has no business being around young people. I know you met with the Athletic Director, if that didn't result in the coaches termination I would retain a good lawyer and threaten and/or initiate a lawsuit against the coach, the school and the district until you at least had the satisfaction of knowing his "career" was over.

 

I played football a long time. What this coach set up and allowed to happen was not "normal" football. It was criminal. No other young man ought to be at this man's mercy.

 

Best wishes to you and your boy. It is painful for me to think of what you are needlessly dealing with.

 

Bill

Edited May 5, 2011 by Spy Car

[cathmom]

A KC Chiefs player was on the evening news yesterday talking about the effects of repetitive head trauma. A colleague of his had recently committed suicide, but not before leaving a note asking for an autopsy to examine his brain specifically for the damaging effects of trauma related to his football career. He believed it had led to permanent, mentally debilitating brain damage. In my opinion, no recreational activity is worth this kind of risk, and this news story from yesterday seems to indicate that even the pro players have questions.

 

 

 

This is one of the sticky wickets in the NFL lockout - owners want a longer season (duh - they make more money!) but don't want to pay the players more or make sure that they have the necessary health coverage for the rest of their lives.

 

About flag football, while injuries can occur, they are not as common. My son played 2 seasons of flag and I don't think I ever saw an injury except for maybe a scraped knee or something. But the two years my son played contact, there were several serious injuries. One time my son was lying on the field after a play ended and my heart plummeted to my feet. He got up a moment later, but he told me about a year ago that he was more injured than he let on, he just didn't want me to worry. He also got a good cut on his arm one time and was bleeding all over the field, and that was when we found out that the team's first aid kit did not include non-latex bandages, which we had specified he needed. The other team had some, and I left the game and went and bought everything they needed to stock their first aid kit so it wouldn't happen again. One of the other boys had a very serious injury, but I can't remember what it was. Something with his ribs maybe? I'll have to ask my son. Whatever it was, it ended his season and put the other sport he played and was hoping for a scholarship in in jeopardy.

 

I love football. I watch every pro game I can. But this last season I started to be sickened by it, and I don't know if I can in good conscience continue to support it unless the NFL makes big changes.

[Denisemomof4]

Denise, this man should not be coaching football. I am not vindictive by nature, nor am I anti-football (obviously), but no man should be allowed to purposefully and willfully put a young man in a position where deliberately exposed to head injury. Then injured, and then put back in the position to be injured once again. This is not football. This is madness. Criminal behavior!

 

I can't tell you what to do, but I would be raising hell. This coach has no business being around young people. I know you met with the Athletic Director, if that didn't result in the coaches termination I would retain a good lawyer and threaten and/or initiate a lawsuit against the coach, the school and the district until you at least had the satisfaction of knowing his "career" was over.

 

I played football a long time. What this coach set up and allowed to happen was not "normal" football. It was criminal. No other young man ought to be at this man's mercy.

 

Best wishes to you and your boy. It is painful for me to think of what you are needlessly dealing with.

 

Bill

 

My dh had several meetings and phone calls with the athletics director. There was supposed to be a meeting with the coach, director and principal but the principal was "called out at the last minute." The athletics director originally called this a hazing but then everyone changed their stories and I'm sure it's because they knew they were in SERIOUS trouble.

 

We called several lawyers and left detailed message and got NO response.

 

The school has all my son's records and they see how his problems were immediate and have spiraled out of control.

 

We have done nothing further. With no return calls from lawyers, and school personnel changing their stories, what else could we do? I almost contacted the local news station. I wish I had.

[Julie in CA]

Football is a great sport for a young man who really desires to play and 11 is a good age to start. Starting now is actually far preferable to starting later (if he is going to play eventually) as the skills involved in playing the sport safely are better developed when boys are relatively light. Starting in High School is a very bad move.

 

There is a risk of injury in any sport. Flag football can be more dangerous than playing with full pads as players have no helmet to protect them. The two fellow football players I knew who were injured most badly were not hurt playing American football, but playing Soccer in the off-season and having an unprotected head-to-head collision.

 

The padding players wear in football does a pretty fine job protecting them. Is it a 100% guarantee against injury? No. You need to weigh the benefits of strength, conditioning, character-building, team-play, positive release of male-energy and all the other benefits of playing football against the small risk of injury.

 

The greatest legitimate area of concern is the coach and coaching staff, and the attitudes around the league he would be competing in. If coaches are criminally-minded then you want no business with them.

 

A child of a parent on this forum who started late and did not know how to play was used as a defenseless tackling dummy and sustained head injuries. The coach was guilty of criminal behavior and ought to be behind bars. This is neither "typical" or "necessary", but knowing the child is going to be playing for a coach of good character is of paramount importantance.

 

Even beyond the "safety" issue (which is important) football is an almost unique sport in how it can teach young men to play with honor. This value needs to be intrinsic to the coaching. Football coaches help mold young men's characters (for good or ill) so know who you are dealing with.

 

I loved playing the game, and have undying gratitude towards my parents for making it possible for me to play. Best wishes in your decision.

 

Bill

 

I absolutely agree with every part of this. Start early, develop the skills, make *sure* your son is equipped with the best equipment available, even if it means you seek it out on your own, and he wears something different than the rest of the team. Expect excellence from the coaches, and good coaches will absolutely require honor from the players. In the right situation, I think football builds character to such an extent that it offsets the risk of injury. I feel so blessed to have witnessed the growth of my ds and the young men he played football with. Yes, there's a risk, but there is inherent risk involved with many good things in life. There are risks involved with childbirth, but we still do it. There are risks involved in walking down a busy street, but we still do it. Imo, the right football situation is very definitely worth it. :001_smile:

[Spy Car]

My dh had several meetings and phone calls with the athletics director. There was supposed to be a meeting with the coach, director and principal but the principal was "called out at the last minute." The athletics director originally called this a hazing but then everyone changed their stories and I'm sure it's because they knew they were in SERIOUS trouble.

 

We called several lawyers and left detailed message and got NO response.

 

The school has all my son's records and they see how his problems were immediate and have spiraled out of control.

 

We have done nothing further. With no return calls from lawyers, and school personnel changing their stories, what else could we do? I almost contacted the local news station. I wish I had.

 

Denise, in no way to I want you to think that I'm blaming the victim (or the family of the victim)--this was NOT YOUR FAULT!

 

A terrible wrong was done to your son. If it were me I would not let it go (and I'm one to usually let stuff go). But only you can decide what is right for you and your family under your circumstances. I am not "judging you" in any way, I'm simply trying to offer "moral support" from someone who knows this game, and knows that the violence perpetrated on your son was not a normal part of the game. It was criminal.

 

I want to be nothing but a support to you.

 

Bill

[In2why]

The most important thing is that his equipment fit well. Sometimes there is a tendency to let just any volunteer help fit the boys helmets and pads and that can be a huge mistake. His helmet should fit tight. If he has never worn a football helmet it should actually hurt a little bit until he gets used to it. The first week of football I usually tell Mama's to give the guys Tylenol or Motrin so that it lessens the discomfort in their heads and necks. Shoulder pads might look small and Mama's usually want them bigger, thinking that the bigger they are the more protection, but that is false. The shoulder cap should only clear the shoulder by a couple of inches and when it is tied tight with straps on it should barely move.

His mouth guard should attach to his helmet and the best ones are the inexpensive plastic that you semi-boil and then have him bite down on. They last longer then the more expensive soft plastic ones and protect his teeth better. If you do go with the more expensive self-molding ones, plan on replacing them 2-3 times during the season as he chews through them. A jock cup is overkill and can cause more problems then they help, but a strap might be something he wants, you can ask him, but don't be surprised if he wants it and then decides not to use it.

The other thing mentioned is hydration. On days when he has practice I wouldn't allow him and caffeinated beverages, have him drink water before he gets thirsty, and if he is sweating he needs a mix of water and juice, and every now and then a "ade" product.

 

For the Mom part (I used to fit equipment and went to classes for it, but I am still a Mom).....I made a deal with my boys. I would not come on the field when they got hurt, but they had to raise an arm or a hand to let me know that they were still conscious. I have never seen a child knocked out in almost 20 years on the football field but for some reason that is fear of mine. Most of the time they just have what we call a stinger, where they take a hit to the muscle and it feels like they can't move for a few minutes. After a few plays on the sidelines they are right back out there. Football isn't totally safe, but overall injuries are minor to rare. Cheer leading on the other hand is VERY dangerous, so that might help keep it into perspective.

Edited May 5, 2011 by In2why
typos

[In2why]

Thanks so much for the input. I am very concerned about injuries. I just hate that he has such a desire to play. He has never wanted to play before this year and since Christmas it has almost become an obsession. He watches and reads everything he can about football. I have this huge hope that after today he will decide that the workouts and expectations are more than he wants to take on right now. We did decide to let him try this since we don't have to formally commit to anything before fall.

 

I also wish more flag football was available here. But no the mentality here seems to be, when football is king why 'wimp out' with just flags?

 

Thanks for the information about Pop Warner. I had not heard of it before. Unfortunately the nearest team is 75 miles away :sad:

 

Any youth football coach who has had any training teaches the boys to hit and tackle with their shoulders down and their heads up. It is one of the first things they teach before they even go to full pad practices and they keep stressing it. The other biggie in youth football is not to leave your feet while running the ball or tackling. It looks cool on TV but very rarely is it safe or effective.

 

As for another posters concern about quitting when you are tired....uhmm no. There are scheduled breaks, and they are often, but you can't just stop when you want to in the middle of practice. I know here though that if the heat/humidity index is higher then a a prescribed number (I can't remember what it is right now) that the kids practice without helmets and pads to help with heat exhaustion.

[Spy Car]

The most important thing is that his equipment fit well. Sometimes there is a tendency to let just any volunteer help fit the boys helmets and pads and that can be a huge mistake. His helmet should fit tight. If he has never worn a football helmet it should actually hurt a little bit until he gets used to it. The first week of football I usually tell Mama's to give the guys Tylenol or Motrin so that it lessens the discomfort in their heads and necks. Shoulder pads might look small and Mama's usually want them bigger, thinking that the bigger they are the more protection, but that is false. The shoulder cap should only clear the shoulder by a couple of inches and when it is tied tight with straps on it should barely move.

His mouth guard should attach to his helmet and the best ones are the inexpensive plastic that you semi-boil and then have him bite down on. They last longer then the more expensive soft plastic ones and protect his teeth better. If you do go with the more expensive self-molding ones, plan on replacing them 2-3 times during the season as he chews through them. A jock cup is overkill and can cause more problems then they help, but a strap might be something he wants, you can ask him, but don't be surprised if he wants it and then decides not to use it.

The other thing mentioned is hydration. On days when he has practice I wouldn't allow him and decaffeinated beverages, have him drink water before he gets thirsty, and if he is sweating he needs a mix of water and juice, and every now and then a "ade" product.

 

For the Mom part (I used to fit equipment and went to classes for it, but I am still a Mom).....I made a deal with my boys. I would not come on the field when they got hurt, but they had to raise an arm or a hand to let me know that they were still conscious. I have never seen a child knocked out in almost 20 years on the football field but for some reason that is fear of mine. Most of the time they just have what we call a stinger, where they take a hit to the muscle and it feels like they can't move for a few minutes. After a few plays on the sidelines they are right back out there. Football isn't totally safe, but overall injuries are minor to rare. Cheer leading on the other hand is VERY dangerous, so that might help keep it into perspective.

 

Great points!

 

One small point I'd like to pick up on is the "cup." I'm with you in thinking the traditional "hard cup" can cause more problems than they solve (although they are often the "standard" recommendation).

 

There is an outstanding alternative of a "soft cup" that is a far better option than a hard cup, and more protective than a jock strap alone.

 

I love having these conversations on a forum that's 99% (not) male, but what are you going to do? :tongue_smilie:

[In2why]

I am not trying to minimze football injuries, but here is a website that breaksdown youth sport injuries and fatalities. I am shocked at the mumber of basketball players with fatalities.

 

http://www.sportssafety.org/sports-injury-facts/

[In2why]

Great points!

 

One small point I'd like to pick up on is the "cup." I'm with you in thinking the traditional "hard cup" can cause more problems than they solve (although they are often the "standard" recommendation).

 

There is an outstanding alternative of a "soft cup" that is a far better option than a hard cup, and more protective than a jock strap alone.

 

I love having these conversations on a forum that's 99% (not) male, but what are you going to do? :tongue_smilie:

 

 

Well I know I am going to always defer to the man on the board when it comes to cup protection. :lol:

[Spy Car]

Well I know I am going to always defer to the man on the board when it comes to cup protection. :lol:

 

I'm with you :001_smile:

 

I am quite impressed that you knew to recommend against hard cups, as--last I knew--hard cups have been the conventional recommendation since I was a kid. And I think they are absolutely terrible for football.

 

Check out soft cups. These were almost unknown when I was playing, I don't know about now, but after hating the hard cup my first season as a kid I looked for an alternative and never looked back.

 

Bill (who is done with the topic :tongue_smilie:)

[Denisemomof4]

Denise, in no way to I want you to think that I'm blaming the victim (or the family of the victim)--this was NOT YOUR FAULT!

 

A terrible wrong was done to your son. If it were me I would not let it go (and I'm one to usually let stuff go). But only you can decide what is right for you and your family under your circumstances. I am not "judging you" in any way, I'm simply trying to offer "moral support" from someone who knows this game, and knows that the violence perpetrated on your son was not a normal part of the game. It was criminal.

 

I want to be nothing but a support to you.

 

Bill

 

You've been nothing but supportive! I've never gotten a hint that you were anything but!:001_smile:

[msjones]

My husband and his coaching friends think 11 or 12 is a good time to start. At this age, they can learn to tackle correctly before they're up against fast, massively strong 250 pound guys.

 

I didn't have time to read the whole thread, but I'd ask about the coach's level of training. The boys need to learn to tackle correctly and the coaches need to be on alert for signs of concussion or other head/neck injury. They need to be willing to immediately bench kids at the first sign of possible head or neck injury.

 

Football can be a great sport. I like it because the teams are so big (unlike basketball, baseball, soccer) that a lot of boys have the chance to play.

[Spy Car]

You've been nothing but supportive! I've never gotten a hint that you were anything but!:001_smile:

 

Great. It is sometimes hard to communicate clearly on forums like this, and I just wanted to be clear.

 

All the best to your son.

 

Bill

[Dobela]

I want to thank everyone for this thread! I have learned so very much! I apologize for not coming back yesterday but the electric company turned off our power. Seems that the technician went to the wrong house.:glare: By the time he was back to turn it on, it was bedtime.:glare:

 

The boys will be playing 8 man league games.

 

My son did the first practice yesterday. I didn't ask the experience of the coach but I will today. My son was 1 of 11 boys that came and all but 2 were near his age and/or size. 2 or 3 were actually much, much smaller even though they were older. The 2 largest were on the sr high team but came to work out. The coach is a state licensed coach and teacher I do know. Since there is not an assistant coach, the school director/superintendent came out to assist. He is also a former coach for public schools.

 

I told my son before we began that my 2 main concerns were injuries and keeping hydrated. If I felt that the coaches were not keeping him safe, teaching him how to play safe, or hydrated I would pull him immediately, whether that day is now or in the fall.

 

The coach is the one who fitted the helmet and I was so glad to read that it was fitted correctly. My son was complaining about how tight it was and how difficult to pull off.

 

I have spoken to other parents whose kids played the last 3 years and they all have great things to say about the school director and the coach. They have also ben giving me more questions to ask and input about areas they think need to be improved.

I feel so blessed to have witnessed the growth of my ds and the young men he played football with.

Can I just say that I don't know what it is about football, but every single person I have talked to locally said something similar. More than any other sport they felt that their kids matured more and became better people in football than any of the other sports they also played.

 

Yesterday the coaches let the boys stop as they wanted for drinks since it was the first day out. Today they will do more scheduled breaks. They did not fit for pads as the main focus was just conditioning and getting back in shape. There was no contact. My son is out of shape so he had a more difficult time but he kept plugging thru it. He can hardly wait to go back today. I was really proud of him. He made it all the way thru while at least one other boy his age dropped out. It shows me that he is serious about this. I really thought he would quit after the first day. My son is the only child who has never played before however. One kid has apparently been playing on teams since he was 3 :001_huh:

 

The link about the injuries is interesting. We have seen injuries in every sport he has tried before, including bowling where we have seen concussions even.

 

Denise, thank you for sharing your story. I hope and pray that it does improve for your son. I agree with Bill, that man should be out of coaching. I wonder if this happened to other kids, or if it could happen again in the future to someone else's kid that could be prevented if you can keep pursuing this. You can go beyond the school and attorneys to the state licensing boards, the association that the school plays sports under, and more to make formal complaints.