Michael Quinlan ’14: Recent concussion studies have led many to question not only the future effects of these injuries on students but also the future of high school athletics. Described as a “concussion epidemic” by New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, much of the concerns focus on the effects of concussions sustained playing football.
Both Christopher Nowinski’s popular novel and his documentary, both entitled “Head Games,” document the long-term effects of concussions on athletes. Nowinski, a former lineman at Harvard and WWE wrestler, has garnered praise for his film’s “power” and its role as a “wake-up call,” according to the New York Times.
One of most frightening statistics Nowinski discusses is an NFL’s lineman’s average life expectancy which is 52 years. The average life expectancy in the United States is 78 years.
In high school football alone, an estimated 67,000 concussions are reported a year with overall concussion rates in high school sports rising at a rate of approximately 15 percent a year. In response to such terrifying numbers, government agencies have instituted a number of initiatives in an effort to increase public awareness.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Heads Up” football safety program, in partnership with USA Football, is one such iniative. “Heads Up” provides young players with important concussion-preventing tips (such as never lowering their heads before a hit), educates them about the possible signs of a concussion, and encourages the use of proper equipment.
Similarly, Riddell offers an annual “Reconditioning and Recertification” for their football helmets and padding, a program Episcopal football takes advantage of every year.
Todd Fairlie, Episcopal’s Head Football Coach, sees Ridell’s program and other initiatives as ways to increase awareness and instill good habits in younger athletes. Fairlie stated, “If we’re doing our job and other schools are doing their jobs, every piece of equipment is reconditioned each year. That’s just good football.”
He cited changes in the actual dynamics of high school football as helpful in preventing head injuries as well, noting that “practice is now often low impact, and more concentrated on technique.”
According to Fairlie, the team normally practices in full pads only once aweek in order to “limit contact as well as follow the evolution of the game.”
It is not only in higher level play that players’ safety causes controversy. In fact, one of the most recent controversies regarding concussions in football arose from a peewee football game in central Massachusetts. The youth game was a 52-0 blowout. However, what was even more disconcerting was the fact that five concussions were sustained over the course of the game. After learning of the injuries, the league not only suspended both coaches, but also banned the referees from ever officiating in the state again.
However, concussions do not only effect football players. Recent research found that concussions are almost as prevalent in other forms of athletics. In fact, sports such as soccer and lacrosse follow close behind football in number of concussions annually.
“[The number of concussions at EA] varies per year … and they come from all kinds of sports,” stated John Smith, Episcopal’s athletic trainer along with Kathy Holt.
“I think people are more aware now and overall more likely to report [a concussion],” Holt continued.
A recently released study from the American Academy of Pediatrics supports this claim, with 71 percent of student athletes surveyed saying they were “more away of concussion symptoms during high school.” However, fewer than half said they would in turn be more likely to report symptoms. According to the New York Times, the discrepancy is unfortunately attributed to students “not wanting to sit out games, appear weak, or let down their teammates.”

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