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Monday, 28 February 2011 01:45
Every day brings more troubling news about the effects of head injuries to athletes, both in the present and the future.
The story has hit home in Pittsburgh where the great Sidney Crosby has been out for close to two months with a concussion and there’s no indication when he’ll be able to play again. No one knows how this injury will affect Crosby when he’s 50 or what additional concussions might do to him.
The Steelers, as do many NFL teams, have a long history of players whose premature deaths are at least linked to head trauma.
More evidence is presented almost daily about what head injuries can do to athletes, particularly football players.
As a result of all of this, there is outrage across the country at the thought of the National Football League wanting to extend its regular season from 16 to 18 games. The NFL in general and commissioner Roger Goodell in particular are pictured as the personifications of greed.
Fans who love football and live for the Steelers on Sunday afternoon don’t want to see games added to the schedule.
But those games probably will be added because if enough money is directed at the players, they’ll likely agree to take on the danger that comes with more football. Like most athletes, they're fearless and believe it won’t be them who can’t think straight in 25 or 35 years.
But those are grown men making their own choices and receiving fabulous salaries to pursue their dangerous jobs.
What about the teenage boys who often are forced by peer pressure or parent pressure to play this dangerous sport and who, of course, receive no salary in return?
I’m speaking of high school football players and the beyond-disgraceful practice in Pennsylvania of having some teams play as many as 16 games.
When are people going to stop worrying about the grown men and start worrying about the teenage boys?
I would hope there is a public outcry against this because the likelihood of the money-hungry ``educators’’ who run high school sports in the state doing anything is miniscule. They don’t want the revenue these football players generate to dry up.
A team that plays for the state championship in Pennsylvania is involved in 16 scheduled games. In addition, these high school teams play two scrimmages. The very 18-game schedule that is drawing so much criticism from the public is already being played by some high school teams.
And barely a word from the public.
Not a word from the PIAA, which drags out its state playoff until almost Christmas. Not a word from the WPIAL, which invites teams with losing records into its playoff for the main purpose of generating revenue.
Shame of the PIAA. Shame on the WPIAL.
And shame on us for not complaining more loudly about this nearly criminal practice, which might take its toll on these young men 30 years from now.
Comments (31)
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written by Honus W., February 28, 2011 - 01:32 AM
written by Honus W., February 28, 2011 - 01:32 AM
I can only speak for myself, but as somebody who played high school football in Pennsylvania in 1980, I would have given anything for Pennsylvania to have had a state football playoff back then.
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written by Scooter, February 28, 2011 - 02:08 AM
written by Scooter, February 28, 2011 - 02:08 AM
I dunno - where's the evidence that playing high school football leads to a significantly higher percentage of side effects years down the line?
Any sport that uses a particular part of the body is probably going to result in a higher injury rate for that particular part.
Tennis players probably have a higher incidence of tennis elbow than the normal population. Soccer players probably have a higher incidence of gimpy knees, and so forth.
The question is - where does one draw the line?
The solution may - or may not - be simple. Soft headgear, and no face masks? Then you have a higher percentage of broken noses and eye injuries.
Ultimately it'll come down to this - 1. the kid and his parents/guardian/ whatever passes for legal adult these days - sign a waiver, which specifically says if you choose to do this, you could end up with a brain injury. 2. Leading with the helmet is forbidden and enforced.
Alternatively, football is banned and soccer becomes the national sport.
Any sport that uses a particular part of the body is probably going to result in a higher injury rate for that particular part.
Tennis players probably have a higher incidence of tennis elbow than the normal population. Soccer players probably have a higher incidence of gimpy knees, and so forth.
The question is - where does one draw the line?
The solution may - or may not - be simple. Soft headgear, and no face masks? Then you have a higher percentage of broken noses and eye injuries.
Ultimately it'll come down to this - 1. the kid and his parents/guardian/ whatever passes for legal adult these days - sign a waiver, which specifically says if you choose to do this, you could end up with a brain injury. 2. Leading with the helmet is forbidden and enforced.
Alternatively, football is banned and soccer becomes the national sport.
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written by BayouHoward, February 28, 2011 - 04:02 AM
written by BayouHoward, February 28, 2011 - 04:02 AM
@Scooter- "I dunno - where's the evidence that playing high school football leads to a significantly higher percentage of side effects years down the line?
Any sport that uses a particular part of the body is probably going to result in a higher injury rate for that particular part.
Tennis players probably have a higher incidence of tennis elbow than the normal population. Soccer players probably have a higher incidence of gimpy knees, and so forth."
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! A knee or a hip can be replaced, but not a brain!
And in my opinion, the high school football season in W PA should end with the WPIAL championship games like it used to. After playing the WPIAL championships at Heinz Filed, the run to the PIAA championships, in Hershey, seems like an anti-climax. The WPIAL ought to opt out of the PIAA football championship.
Any sport that uses a particular part of the body is probably going to result in a higher injury rate for that particular part.
Tennis players probably have a higher incidence of tennis elbow than the normal population. Soccer players probably have a higher incidence of gimpy knees, and so forth."
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! A knee or a hip can be replaced, but not a brain!
And in my opinion, the high school football season in W PA should end with the WPIAL championship games like it used to. After playing the WPIAL championships at Heinz Filed, the run to the PIAA championships, in Hershey, seems like an anti-climax. The WPIAL ought to opt out of the PIAA football championship.
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written by t2pyah, February 28, 2011 - 06:10 AM
Too many teams make WPIAL playoffs - and therefore the first round games are typically blowouts. The season then stretches too far into December.
WPIAL teams can elect to not participate in the PIAA playoffs. Not positive - but I believe a few schools elected to not participate in 1988 - including WPIAL champ USC.
written by t2pyah, February 28, 2011 - 06:10 AM
Too many teams make WPIAL playoffs - and therefore the first round games are typically blowouts. The season then stretches too far into December.
WPIAL teams can elect to not participate in the PIAA playoffs. Not positive - but I believe a few schools elected to not participate in 1988 - including WPIAL champ USC.
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written by bobbyg16148, February 28, 2011 - 06:11 AM
written by bobbyg16148, February 28, 2011 - 06:11 AM
I totally agree. The PIAA not only lengthened the footblall season, but in doing so, it shrunk the basketball season to 22 games! Basketball teams are forced to play 3 games a week just to get all the games in. Bob, this can only be resolved by our public officials. Our state legislature needs to step in.
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written by richmos, February 28, 2011 - 06:13 AM
written by richmos, February 28, 2011 - 06:13 AM
First I've heard of this. This is also something that should be addressed. I'm sure hardly anyone has thought of it. That's way too many games. I do know several ex high school jocks who played football extensively from midget football through high school and some college but the ones I know don't seem to exhibit these symptoms.(we're in our early 70's now) I knew Paul Martha sort of when he was pretty young in Jr. High and he's the only one who comes to mind that has serious problems but I think if he hadn't played pro ball he'd be OK. I think his concussion problems started as a pro. But I do agree there should be a limit on the games these kids play.
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written by FrankBlack, February 28, 2011 - 06:33 AM
written by FrankBlack, February 28, 2011 - 06:33 AM
Bob, sixteen games are only played by a handful of HS teams plus a scrimmage or two. And the NFL is attempting to play eighteen regular season games plus two pre-season games and then add on the playoffs. That said, I think there are too many HS games. I could hardly call it criminal however. You may know for certain that the motivator is money, but I've not seen the facts. And as far as outrage I heard quite a bit about the length of the season over the past three years. Now of course it's on par with popularity of high school football vs. professional. Which some in western PA think are close, but they are not.
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written by richie, February 28, 2011 - 06:35 AM
written by richie, February 28, 2011 - 06:35 AM
*t's all about the money. All divisions of college football except div 1 have an extended playoff system.
All that being said, all players and parents know the risk. No one is forcing them to play
All that being said, all players and parents know the risk. No one is forcing them to play
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written by GenoSid, February 28, 2011 - 06:43 AM
written by GenoSid, February 28, 2011 - 06:43 AM
I have never watched a high school game, but, this seems like a very legit concern.
Every time I see the commercial on FSN for the Thursday night high school game of the week, the greed and irresponsibility strike me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure being on TV is the highlight of most of those kids year (lives), but how can you even try to claim with a straight face that education is your TOP priority?
Those kids (on the field and in the stands) have school on Friday, but who cares when you can get paid by FSN to be on the TV.
Plus, you are playing 16 year olds on a short week to do it.
Every time I see the commercial on FSN for the Thursday night high school game of the week, the greed and irresponsibility strike me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure being on TV is the highlight of most of those kids year (lives), but how can you even try to claim with a straight face that education is your TOP priority?
Those kids (on the field and in the stands) have school on Friday, but who cares when you can get paid by FSN to be on the TV.
Plus, you are playing 16 year olds on a short week to do it.
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written by Panther123, February 28, 2011 - 07:01 AM
written by Panther123, February 28, 2011 - 07:01 AM
**s still driven by money Bob...
The WPIAL likes the 16 team playoff format....16 extra games of gate revenue!
Cutting the playoff participants down to 8 per class would be a good start..
There really only needs to be 1 scrimmage as well...
Both of those changes would help...
The WPIAL likes the 16 team playoff format....16 extra games of gate revenue!
Cutting the playoff participants down to 8 per class would be a good start..
There really only needs to be 1 scrimmage as well...
Both of those changes would help...
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written by Bipolarman, February 28, 2011 - 07:06 AM
richie,
The game should be banned for everybody under 18.
If you play it as an adult, you assume the risk of brain damage and you lose the right to blame it on anyone else.
written by Bipolarman, February 28, 2011 - 07:06 AM
richie,
The game should be banned for everybody under 18.
If you play it as an adult, you assume the risk of brain damage and you lose the right to blame it on anyone else.
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written by gregenstein, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
written by gregenstein, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
I think we played 11 regular season games in high school (15 years ago). What they really should be limiting is the number of practices you can have in the summer AND the number of full contact practices you can have during the week. I got my "bell rung" more times in practice than I ever did during a game. There's just more opportunity to have it happen, especially for the poor saps who end up on the scout team that week.
I think the football team is allowed organized activities now in March. Is that right? What was it a year ago that JoePa and Wannstedt were pushing for the high schools to do? I'm pretty sure it was something to do with allowing organized spring activities. I'm really not OK with that. Even if it's just drills without pads, I'd would have had to pick between the Track team or spring football. I really enjoyed Track and Field, and it would have been a shame to have to choose.
I think the football team is allowed organized activities now in March. Is that right? What was it a year ago that JoePa and Wannstedt were pushing for the high schools to do? I'm pretty sure it was something to do with allowing organized spring activities. I'm really not OK with that. Even if it's just drills without pads, I'd would have had to pick between the Track team or spring football. I really enjoyed Track and Field, and it would have been a shame to have to choose.
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written by cptantilles, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
written by cptantilles, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
I wasn't aware that HS were playing that many games. That is irresponsible. If you notice, the NCAA has slowly been adding games, too. Now, almost all teams play 12 games, and of course the conference championships and bowl games mean that some teams play 14 games. Assuming two years of HS and 4 of college, players could be playing up to 86 games before even starting a pro career.
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written by Hanover Bill, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
written by Hanover Bill, February 28, 2011 - 07:16 AM
I agree with you Bob, more needs to be done to address the head injury problem on all levels, not just professional football. And while we're at it we may as well add all other contact sports, not just football.
This doesn't just involve shortening the seasons, but also involves more studies of equipment and rules that will help to prevent head injuries.
I think the surface has just been scratched regarding the long term effects of head injuries in sports. It will be a long road trying to alleviate the problem.
This doesn't just involve shortening the seasons, but also involves more studies of equipment and rules that will help to prevent head injuries.
I think the surface has just been scratched regarding the long term effects of head injuries in sports. It will be a long road trying to alleviate the problem.
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written by North Side, February 28, 2011 - 07:35 AM
written by North Side, February 28, 2011 - 07:35 AM
With what is known and what is being discovered, organizations such as the WPIAL and PIAA will be forced (out of self preservation) to limit exposure, ie reduce games, and enact and enforce rules that are generally regarded as safeguards against catastrophic injury.
These actions may mitigate their cuplability at the next injury lawsuit naming the organizations. A major award against these organizations can ultimately bankrupt them and cease all interscholastic activity.
Waivers do not exempt from blame. Even as an adult a waiver will not protect if it can be shown that there is collusion to promote an unsafe environment.
Football as we know it is going away. Start to appreciate another sport.
These actions may mitigate their cuplability at the next injury lawsuit naming the organizations. A major award against these organizations can ultimately bankrupt them and cease all interscholastic activity.
Waivers do not exempt from blame. Even as an adult a waiver will not protect if it can be shown that there is collusion to promote an unsafe environment.
Football as we know it is going away. Start to appreciate another sport.
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written by SonnyDrysdale, February 28, 2011 - 07:36 AM
written by SonnyDrysdale, February 28, 2011 - 07:36 AM
The NFL has a headache problem that won't go away.
The NHL has a headache problem that won't go away.
Does anyone really think their 16 year old is immune to such problems? Yes the ferociousness of the hits to the head aren't equal to the NFL but the heads and necks of these players are even more fragile.
Sometime during the school year, your little boy will bring home a parental consent form to be signed by you the parent that allows him to play football.
To borrow a phrase from Clint Eastwood in the movie Dirt Harry, "do you feel lucky?"
As I read almost daily accounts of athletes of all ages dealing with concussions one has to wonder "what were we thinking" all these years.
What permanent damage has already been done that technology can't see or even fix.
I have been told that smart, educated people run our school systems and athletics. So it is inconceivable to me how 18 game football schedules could even exist. The PIAA and WPIAL leaders need to adjust their thinking, they must be made to understand that protracted playoffs are setting our kids up for greater opportunities of head injuries. We cannot ignore it any longer, it is not going away.
The NHL has a headache problem that won't go away.
Does anyone really think their 16 year old is immune to such problems? Yes the ferociousness of the hits to the head aren't equal to the NFL but the heads and necks of these players are even more fragile.
Sometime during the school year, your little boy will bring home a parental consent form to be signed by you the parent that allows him to play football.
To borrow a phrase from Clint Eastwood in the movie Dirt Harry, "do you feel lucky?"
As I read almost daily accounts of athletes of all ages dealing with concussions one has to wonder "what were we thinking" all these years.
What permanent damage has already been done that technology can't see or even fix.
I have been told that smart, educated people run our school systems and athletics. So it is inconceivable to me how 18 game football schedules could even exist. The PIAA and WPIAL leaders need to adjust their thinking, they must be made to understand that protracted playoffs are setting our kids up for greater opportunities of head injuries. We cannot ignore it any longer, it is not going away.
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written by 21sthebest, February 28, 2011 - 07:44 AM
I think that's a good point. Several student athletes in the WPIAL have told me that their goal is to win a WPIAL championship and they just want to be done at that point.
written by 21sthebest, February 28, 2011 - 07:44 AM
After playing the WPIAL championships at Heinz Filed, the run to the PIAA championships, in Hershey, seems like an anti-climax.
I think that's a good point. Several student athletes in the WPIAL have told me that their goal is to win a WPIAL championship and they just want to be done at that point.
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written by Meathead, February 28, 2011 - 08:01 AM
written by Meathead, February 28, 2011 - 08:01 AM
The overemphasis on sports is now beginning long before high school. Little leaguers are playing year round in all sports now. Parents of first graders are hyperventilating because their kid's coach is playing junior out of position. My fifth grader wants to start playing basketball but is being told it's too late.
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written by Fat Jimmy, February 28, 2011 - 08:06 AM
written by Fat Jimmy, February 28, 2011 - 08:06 AM
On the topic of concussions in contact sports, Bob:
ESPN and its talking heads have been waxing critically of the NFL and it's "hypocracy" around head injuries for some time. Meanwhile, did you see the Outside the Lines special yesterday for SportsCenter on jousting?
Jeremy Schapp did a piece on how jousting ... yes, jousting ... is making a comeback of sorts in North America. I suppose the piece had a bit of man-bites-dog intrigue, but I was struck that ESPN would choose to run a glory piece on what is probably the most violent of all violent "sports". They did interviews with the best jousters in North America, and one of those players, in particular, made a lighthearted comment about often "not knowing where (he was)" after getting knocked off his horse. (BTW, that's called a concussion.)
Not only did SportsCenter decide to promote this activity, but they never once made reference to the harmful effects of head injuries.
We've had the NFL debate over and over again. But the hypocracy in head injuries runs deep. The NFL. High school athletics. Even the Worldwide Leader.
ESPN and its talking heads have been waxing critically of the NFL and it's "hypocracy" around head injuries for some time. Meanwhile, did you see the Outside the Lines special yesterday for SportsCenter on jousting?
Jeremy Schapp did a piece on how jousting ... yes, jousting ... is making a comeback of sorts in North America. I suppose the piece had a bit of man-bites-dog intrigue, but I was struck that ESPN would choose to run a glory piece on what is probably the most violent of all violent "sports". They did interviews with the best jousters in North America, and one of those players, in particular, made a lighthearted comment about often "not knowing where (he was)" after getting knocked off his horse. (BTW, that's called a concussion.)
Not only did SportsCenter decide to promote this activity, but they never once made reference to the harmful effects of head injuries.
We've had the NFL debate over and over again. But the hypocracy in head injuries runs deep. The NFL. High school athletics. Even the Worldwide Leader.
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written by Garyz1954, February 28, 2011 - 08:09 AM
written by Garyz1954, February 28, 2011 - 08:09 AM
Bob I agree with you 100% high school football is totally out of wack as all High school sports are becoming. Being a high school coach the past 30 years I have seen it even from the jr high level of 5 games (70s)jump to 10 now. They were even considering spring football which is totally asinine and could would also ruin spring sports. Actually this started with basketball and soccer. They are notorious for wanting their kids to participate year round. Unfortunately the time of the three sport athlete has almost diminished and no longer kids want to participate in multiple sports. For one the seasons often overlap. The Iowa fiasco proves the the human body can only take so much.
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written by heartbeatsings, February 28, 2011 - 08:49 AM
written by heartbeatsings, February 28, 2011 - 08:49 AM
I couldn't agree more, Bob. Keep up the heat.
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written by Texas Steeler, February 28, 2011 - 09:26 AM
written by Texas Steeler, February 28, 2011 - 09:26 AM
The answer is "Revenue". Unfortunately, when all things are considered(injuries, age, amount of games played, etc.)it all comes down to revenue, even at the high school level.
In Texas, we have 5 major classifications that the high schools compete at. 1A through 5A. A high school's classification is based on enrollment, so that schools compete against other schools of similar size. I believe most states use the same type of logic in classifying theor own schools for athletic competition as well.
When I attended high school on the 80's, 2 teams from each district in the state would advance to the playoffs. Ultimately, you would end up with a state champion for each division, 1A thru 5A.
High school sports have become so popular and generate so much revenue that Texas has seen there 5 major divisions split once the playoffs begin. We now have 10 state champions for the 5 divisions. Each of the 5 divisions are split into subdivisions so tht more teams can continue to compete in post season play and generate even more revenue. For the high school playoffs, we have 1A-Div.I and 1A div.-II and this continues for all classifications through 5A.
I once asked a friend who is a director in Austin with the state UIL, that governs high school competitions; "Why don't we just increase the number of classifications to 8A or 9A, if we have that many more schools participating than we did 20 years ago?" His answer was, "Economics". When travel and expenses have to be considered for each of these schools it much more cost effective to have more teams per classification so that added expenses are kept down due to less travel. But since all schools know they will have to travel for the playoffs, it is easier to split into the two subdivisions at that time to ensure more temas are getting to compete in the playoffs.
Again, its all about "Revenue".
I believe I made it pretty clear in my story that the length of schedule is driven by revenue. I hope you're not suggesting that makes it right? -- Bob Smizik
In Texas, we have 5 major classifications that the high schools compete at. 1A through 5A. A high school's classification is based on enrollment, so that schools compete against other schools of similar size. I believe most states use the same type of logic in classifying theor own schools for athletic competition as well.
When I attended high school on the 80's, 2 teams from each district in the state would advance to the playoffs. Ultimately, you would end up with a state champion for each division, 1A thru 5A.
High school sports have become so popular and generate so much revenue that Texas has seen there 5 major divisions split once the playoffs begin. We now have 10 state champions for the 5 divisions. Each of the 5 divisions are split into subdivisions so tht more teams can continue to compete in post season play and generate even more revenue. For the high school playoffs, we have 1A-Div.I and 1A div.-II and this continues for all classifications through 5A.
I once asked a friend who is a director in Austin with the state UIL, that governs high school competitions; "Why don't we just increase the number of classifications to 8A or 9A, if we have that many more schools participating than we did 20 years ago?" His answer was, "Economics". When travel and expenses have to be considered for each of these schools it much more cost effective to have more teams per classification so that added expenses are kept down due to less travel. But since all schools know they will have to travel for the playoffs, it is easier to split into the two subdivisions at that time to ensure more temas are getting to compete in the playoffs.
Again, its all about "Revenue".
I believe I made it pretty clear in my story that the length of schedule is driven by revenue. I hope you're not suggesting that makes it right? -- Bob Smizik
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written by SportsFan3, February 28, 2011 - 10:10 AM
written by SportsFan3, February 28, 2011 - 10:10 AM
Bob,
I think you are being a little dramatic about the High School "18 game schedule" being the same as an NFL 18 Game Schedule.
By the same logic you are using an NFL team would actually play a 24 game schedule. And considering high school kids play 12 minute quarters an 18 NFL game schedule compared to a 18 game high school schedule is really a 14.4 game high school schedule. Not to even mention the fact that about 1% of high school football teams even get to play that many games. Most teams play 9 games which amounts to a whopping 2 months of football.
I'm not saying High School educators aren't greedy because they are but most kids play high school football because they love the attention that goes with it. Or simply because they love the sport.
This concussion stuff is beyond annoying. I feel like the media treats the subject with the mindset that the "concussion" was just discovered and if you get a bunch of them it's really bad for you!
I believe you are splitting hairs. 18 games are way too many for high school players. You also are ignoring the fact some high school players play both offense and defense.
I wonder if Sidney Crosby finds ``this concussion stuff beyond annoying?'' --- Bob Smizik
I think you are being a little dramatic about the High School "18 game schedule" being the same as an NFL 18 Game Schedule.
By the same logic you are using an NFL team would actually play a 24 game schedule. And considering high school kids play 12 minute quarters an 18 NFL game schedule compared to a 18 game high school schedule is really a 14.4 game high school schedule. Not to even mention the fact that about 1% of high school football teams even get to play that many games. Most teams play 9 games which amounts to a whopping 2 months of football.
I'm not saying High School educators aren't greedy because they are but most kids play high school football because they love the attention that goes with it. Or simply because they love the sport.
This concussion stuff is beyond annoying. I feel like the media treats the subject with the mindset that the "concussion" was just discovered and if you get a bunch of them it's really bad for you!
I believe you are splitting hairs. 18 games are way too many for high school players. You also are ignoring the fact some high school players play both offense and defense.
I wonder if Sidney Crosby finds ``this concussion stuff beyond annoying?'' --- Bob Smizik
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written by BoogClemente, February 28, 2011 - 10:42 AM
written by BoogClemente, February 28, 2011 - 10:42 AM
I grew up in the 1960s & early 70s in suburban Baltimore. In Maryland the school district is the county and my school district included most of suburban Baltimore. Football games were played on Friday afternoons and you had couldn't get more than one D or F in an academic subject to play (on the team, in the band, cheerleader, etc).
My school district didn't produce as many great football players but we were one of the best school districts in the country. Even today, if you look at public high school rankings metro Baltimore has at least 5-6 high schools ranked above any in metro Pittsburgh. The odds of a kid going to med school or law school is much better than a kid playing in the NFL. But then people don't pay to see high school kids take an algebra exam
My school district didn't produce as many great football players but we were one of the best school districts in the country. Even today, if you look at public high school rankings metro Baltimore has at least 5-6 high schools ranked above any in metro Pittsburgh. The odds of a kid going to med school or law school is much better than a kid playing in the NFL. But then people don't pay to see high school kids take an algebra exam
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written by PiratesFanSince1960, February 28, 2011 - 11:15 AM
written by PiratesFanSince1960, February 28, 2011 - 11:15 AM
Only way anyone plays 18 games in california is if you make it to state.... 10-11 is the norm, and 12-14 if get deep into playoffs.
Cheers
David
P.S. 18 pro games is insane IMHO....
Nothing but profit motive for the owners... Does not make it anymore enjoyable for the fans IMO...
Cheers
David
P.S. 18 pro games is insane IMHO....
Nothing but profit motive for the owners... Does not make it anymore enjoyable for the fans IMO...
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written by Jack, February 28, 2011 - 11:28 AM
written by Jack, February 28, 2011 - 11:28 AM
Concussions aren't strictly a football issues. I received two playing basketball and soccer. Don't limit the focus.
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written by SportsFan3, February 28, 2011 - 12:27 PM
written by SportsFan3, February 28, 2011 - 12:27 PM
Talking about concussions isn't going to keep them from happening. You can get hurt doing anything. Concussions are a serious matter they always have been, just like anything else.
The fact of the matter is that the majority of high school teams play half the games an NFL team does. It's unfortunate that the system makes you play 18 games to win a state title but we're still only talking about a very very small percentage of teams that even get a whiff of going that far.
Bad things can always happen, it doesn't mean you should change everything just because they can happen. I got a concussion playing baseball once does that mean a high school baseball schedule is too long?
The things that should be done to prevent concussions are better helmets, heavy penalties/suspensions for cheap shots (in any sport) and making sure an athlete is completely symptom free and medically cleared before they play again. Why is that such a hard concept?
No one really cared about Marc Savard when he got steam rolled by Cooke a year ago. Instead everyone defended the hit and was worried about the next time the Pens played the Bruins. It's funny that now that it happened to one of our favorite players it's a much bigger issue.
The majority of the high school teams play 12 games -- 10 plus 2 scrimmages. The majority of the pro teams play 20 games -- 16 plus 4 exhibitions. 12 is not half of 20. Furthermore, many of the pro players barely get on the field in the exhibitions. The high schools kids play all the time and some of them play both ways. Your math is incorrect. --- Bob Smizik
The fact of the matter is that the majority of high school teams play half the games an NFL team does. It's unfortunate that the system makes you play 18 games to win a state title but we're still only talking about a very very small percentage of teams that even get a whiff of going that far.
Bad things can always happen, it doesn't mean you should change everything just because they can happen. I got a concussion playing baseball once does that mean a high school baseball schedule is too long?
The things that should be done to prevent concussions are better helmets, heavy penalties/suspensions for cheap shots (in any sport) and making sure an athlete is completely symptom free and medically cleared before they play again. Why is that such a hard concept?
No one really cared about Marc Savard when he got steam rolled by Cooke a year ago. Instead everyone defended the hit and was worried about the next time the Pens played the Bruins. It's funny that now that it happened to one of our favorite players it's a much bigger issue.
The majority of the high school teams play 12 games -- 10 plus 2 scrimmages. The majority of the pro teams play 20 games -- 16 plus 4 exhibitions. 12 is not half of 20. Furthermore, many of the pro players barely get on the field in the exhibitions. The high schools kids play all the time and some of them play both ways. Your math is incorrect. --- Bob Smizik
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written by Retire#21, February 28, 2011 - 02:13 PM
written by Retire#21, February 28, 2011 - 02:13 PM
You think that's insane for high school. Maryland has pee wee playoffs for those as young as 8-9 year olds, and state championship games. The kids play a 9 to 10 game regular season, then there are 3 playoff games, and if you win those, you go to a 2 round state playoff system for a state title. Can you believe it? A state title for 8-9 year olds. That's a 15 game season, and that does not even count the month of practices and the 2-3 scrimmages leading up to the first game.
Now to add to that insanity, there is now a spring indoor league that is in place...and it is breaking records for registration. This is not a flag league, this is an Arena style league that is full contact and the fall coaches coach the spring teams so nearly all of their roster is made up of kids from the fall season, some of whom have just finished up a 4+ month fall season.
Now to add to that insanity, there is now a spring indoor league that is in place...and it is breaking records for registration. This is not a flag league, this is an Arena style league that is full contact and the fall coaches coach the spring teams so nearly all of their roster is made up of kids from the fall season, some of whom have just finished up a 4+ month fall season.
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written by Texas Steeler, February 28, 2011 - 02:45 PM
written by Texas Steeler, February 28, 2011 - 02:45 PM
I believe I made it pretty clear in my story that the length of schedule is driven by revenue. I hope you're not suggesting that makes it right? -- Bob Smizik
No, not at all, Bob.
I think that in the case of Texas High School football, the growing number of schools and/or sports teams at the high school level has resulted in the state UIL splitting the classifications so that they can capitalize on the revenue without having teams add more games to their already full schedules.
Games = Money. The only two ways to guarantee revenue is to, one; increase the number of games each team plays. or, two; have more teams playing games.
In Texas' case, the average school district has 6 to 7 teams competing in football. In most cases, 3 of those teams(sometimes 4), will go to the playoffs. That is a total of 64 teams per subdivision, or 128 teams per classification, or 640 teams in 1A-5A.
More teams = More games = More Revenue. A 16 game schedule gets you to the state championship game.
No, not at all, Bob.
I think that in the case of Texas High School football, the growing number of schools and/or sports teams at the high school level has resulted in the state UIL splitting the classifications so that they can capitalize on the revenue without having teams add more games to their already full schedules.
Games = Money. The only two ways to guarantee revenue is to, one; increase the number of games each team plays. or, two; have more teams playing games.
In Texas' case, the average school district has 6 to 7 teams competing in football. In most cases, 3 of those teams(sometimes 4), will go to the playoffs. That is a total of 64 teams per subdivision, or 128 teams per classification, or 640 teams in 1A-5A.
More teams = More games = More Revenue. A 16 game schedule gets you to the state championship game.
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written by dudley01, February 28, 2011 - 05:02 PM
written by dudley01, February 28, 2011 - 05:02 PM
"What about the teenage boys who often are forced by peer pressure or parent pressure to play this dangerous sport and who, of course, receive no salary in return?"
In coaching several sports since 1976, I do not recall any kid who did not want to partipate. Because of the years there may have been a few, but the number is small. This coaching covers boys and girls, from Little league to college, in Swimming, Volleyball, Football, Wrestling, Softball, Baseball and others. Now, there were Mom's who didn't want their kids to participate, but not usually the kids. Pressure as you indicated is hardly the main motivators for the kids, at any level after Little League. Could you tell us what you were thinking?
What I was thinking was there are some kids who go out for teams because of peer pressure or parent pressure. I don't know how I can be more clear. I didn't say they were in the majority or even a lot. -- Bob Smizik
In coaching several sports since 1976, I do not recall any kid who did not want to partipate. Because of the years there may have been a few, but the number is small. This coaching covers boys and girls, from Little league to college, in Swimming, Volleyball, Football, Wrestling, Softball, Baseball and others. Now, there were Mom's who didn't want their kids to participate, but not usually the kids. Pressure as you indicated is hardly the main motivators for the kids, at any level after Little League. Could you tell us what you were thinking?
What I was thinking was there are some kids who go out for teams because of peer pressure or parent pressure. I don't know how I can be more clear. I didn't say they were in the majority or even a lot. -- Bob Smizik
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written by dudley01, March 01, 2011 - 08:26 AM
written by dudley01, March 01, 2011 - 08:26 AM
Bob,
What I'm saying is that peer pressure from parents and friends is almost never a major motivation for a kid, so why bring it up? Is it to provoke discussion? If that's so, then you accomplished your goal. I was trying to be tactful in suggesting that your premise was strongly flawed.
What I'm saying is that peer pressure from parents and friends is almost never a major motivation for a kid, so why bring it up? Is it to provoke discussion? If that's so, then you accomplished your goal. I was trying to be tactful in suggesting that your premise was strongly flawed.
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