What Would you do ?
The concussion issue hit home last week when my son suffered a significant concussion playing HS football . He plays slot receiver and was knocked silly by a helmet to helmet hit . Its taken several days laying in a dark room just to get rid of the headache & nausea . After a MEG & MRI and failing all the cognitive tests , the DR ended his season. He cant go to school , he cant drive , he cant watch TV . It was his first concussion that we know of. After all he’s been through , the kid is devastated and all he can talk about is playing his senior season . Are we crazy to even consider letting him play football again ? I am so torn because its all he’s ever loved . The kid works out year round just to play football . At what point do you say …. enough ? At what point is it just not worth it ? Is it okay to watch other young men risk their health playing this violent barbaric game and not let your own play ?
What would you do ?
Earl
I do not envy your situation Earl. I only had 1 son to play HS football and thank God he ESCAPED with no serious injuries. I know I would never encourage my kids to play but also don’t know how I could say no if they wanted to. Even when my kids were pop warner age I would not encourage them to play then. I coached kids and have seen some who were terrified and absolutely did not want to be on the field but their parents forced them. “Builds character” the parents would say. I agree it does but only if the kid wants to be there and if you are not living your failed aspirations out through them. If I forced my child to play and he did get a serious injury I would have a hard time looking in the mirror with a razor in my hand every morning. But if at HS age he still wanted to play I think I would do my best to make him aware of the dangers (without trying to scare him out of it) and let him make the decision. Make sure he is playing because HE wants to and not because he thinks you want him to or you will think more highly of him if he does or think less of him if he doesn’t. In other words, try to take the “make daddy proud” and the macho part out if you can. You will then have done your job as a parent IMO.
I understand your position, Earl. I’ve had a couple of concussions myself. I also understand your sons. He wants to make the most of what are supposed to be the best years of your life.
It sounds as if his concussion was pretty severe, though. I don’t know if he is more likely to get another after one like that or not. But, I do know that you should discuss all the risks with him and let him know that if the doctor clears him and IF you two, as parents, allow him to play, that he has to be honest about any potential symptoms he may develop. Make sure the equipment he’s using, namely his helmet, isn’t damaged or substandard should he go back also.
And then, also tell him that as soon as he’s cleared he’s going to have to start busting his ass; not just lifting but running sprints and hills and also stretching; eating right and staying away from the party scene. Being in top physical condition will reduce the likelihood that he gets hurt.
Good luck, buddy.
One other piece of equipment that can help prevent head and neck injuries is a neck roll. I don’t know why more guys don’t use them. The last prominent player I can think of who did was James Farrior. But then, he actually used proper tackling form by pulling his head back instead of leading with it.
That’s tough. I think the best course of action is to follow the guidance of the docs. I wouldn’t want him to play, but parents seldom get what they want, right?
Thanks for the feedback Guys . He is getting a little better everyday and we’ll weigh all the factors before making any decisions . I’m glad the Dr ended it for him this year so i didnt have to.
Earl, God bless your family as your son recovers from this. It’s hard to answer for you not being in your situation. Your son could play again for 4 or 5 years and never have another concussion. But…… Good luck with this decision.
Just remember it’s not only the big hits that cause damage. It’s also the accumulation of all the small ones. Go over to the PBS web site and watch last weeks Frontline, “League of Denial”
Earl, I wish you, your son, and your family all the best. Trust that you will know what to do as the circumstances present themselves and be confident in your decisions. You’re a good man and a good father. Stay strong.
Thanks Jamesh . Its been a tough week for all . My wife went straight to he is never playing again . I’ve talked her off that wall for the time being so we can take the emotion out and make the right decision for him . Not for me , not for her … for him
I would do precisely what you’ve done, Earl, and gather as much informtaion as I could to help arm me in making the best decision for my family–and if that information includes the opinions and advice of others, then that’s great too. I’m a firm believer (I preach this to all my employees) that not a single one of us knows all the answers, but collectively, we do–the trick is knowing what to ask and who to ask it from, and somewhere in there, the answer resides.
There are no owner’s manuals for our chilren, so we have to do the best with what we have, and there’s no doubt you and your wife will make the right decision.