Another HS Football Player, 16, Dies After In-Game Injury; Deaths Approaching Double Digits This Season

A Lack of USA National Standards Leads to a Rise in HS Football Injuries

Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of young people participating at the high school level. However, the sport can also be dangerous, and a recent string of deaths has raised concerns about the safety of high school football. In August 2022, a 16-year-old football player in Georgia died after suffering a head injury during a game. The player, who was not wearing a helmet, was hit in the head by an opposing player's helmet. He was taken to the hospital, where he died a few hours later. The player's death was the ninth high school football-related death in the United States this season. This is the highest number of deaths in a single season since 2010. The deaths have prompted calls for increased safety measures in high school football. Some experts are calling for a national standard for concussion protocols, which would ensure that all high school football players are evaluated for concussions in a consistent manner. Others are calling for a reduction in the number of contact practices and games. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the governing body for high school sports in the United States. The NFHS has issued guidelines for concussion management and other safety issues, but these guidelines are not mandatory. As a result, there is a wide variation in the safety measures that are implemented by different high schools.

What Can Be Done to Prevent More Deaths?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent more deaths in high school football. These include: * Implementing a national standard for concussion protocols. * Reducing the number of contact practices and games. * Providing better training for coaches and athletic trainers. * Increasing the use of protective equipment. * Raising awareness of the risks of head injuries. By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that high school football is a safe sport for all participants.

Conclusion

The recent deaths of high school football players are a tragedy. We must do everything we can to prevent more deaths from occurring. By implementing a national standard for concussion protocols, reducing the number of contact practices and games, and providing better training for coaches and athletic trainers, we can help to ensure that high school football is a safe sport for all participants.