Head Trauma: 4 Insights into Governmental Research on Football Concussions

By watching only a few minutes of a football game, you'll see dozens of players make hard contact with their opponents as the ball flies from one end of the field to another. Each one of these impacts can create a potential concussion. In fact, concussions are common in the sport of football as competition rises during each game. Learn about the governmental research that surrounds these injuries so that football can be a safer game to play than before. Untreated concussions can lead to long-term damage that's irreversible.

NFL's Impact

It took some time for the NFL or National Football League to back up concussion research. However, millions of dollars have been donated to concussion research by the NFL in 2012 and 2016, reports The Atlantic. This funding has led to new helmets and fewer concussions. Although concussions still occur on the field, there's more understanding of how to avoid them now that the NFL is actively working with researchers.

The Woodpecker Theory

Technologically advanced helmets have helped concussion rates drop, but there's a new idea on the horizon. Bloomberg Businessweek reports that specialized straps around the neck might reduce brain injuries. The strap forces blood to remain around the brain and skull, which creates another cushion against impacts.

Harnessing Public Administrative Support

Local governments must take an active role in reducing concussions by allocating resources to research. Local doctors and scientists might be contacted by someone that has earned a degree in public administration to look over a new helmet or regulations in the industry. By bringing in a government entity, rules can be enacted and enforced for the safety of the public. Safety in the high-school years and beyond must be prioritized by local governments in order to protect the constituents.

Slow Returns to the Field

An insight that's often difficult to implement is a slow return to the field after an injury. Government research concludes that concussions take time to heal. Returning to the field too quickly can only lead to further injury, states The Sports Journal. Players should take their time entering the game again because injuring the brain once again is a real concern.

Avoiding concussions should also be a top concern. Ideally, coaches need to discuss safe and proper ways to strike the opponent without injuring themselves or others. Updated safety equipment must also be a priority for schools and professional teams. With safety and conduct being controlled to a certain degree, concussions can be reduced in record numbers.