Concussions in contact sport

Well, here in New Zealand, the major topic recently in the news has been concussions in sport. Especially rugby. This has also been the centre of much debate in the states, with NFL players developing illnesses such as dementia later in life.

Firstly, before I get into this topic, I would like to clarify. I have enormous sympathy for those who have had their life changed by head injuries, and wouldn't risk it on my worse enemies. I hope that some sort of cure is developed, and the occurrence of the issues can be reduced in all forms of sport.

That being said, I do believe that sports should not be banned due to the occurrence of head injuries (within reason of course). While again, I acknowledge that the injuries are horrific, and life changing, the frequency of them does not justify the complete upheaval of a sport. When players sign up to play any contact sport, they acknowledge the risk, and therefore take into account that they may get injured.

Furthermore, the banning of the shoulder charge also comes under the same banner. Players who signed up to play in the NRL acknowledge the risk of the game, and therefore, the shoulder charge shouldn't have to be banned, because the players realise and know that it will be used, as part of playing the game.

I also think that it is not OK for ex NFL players to sue the NFL. This is because again, they played in the NFL, and must have realised the risk of a full contact sport, and thus acknowledged that risk when they decided to play. Therefore, they have no right to sue, because they took the risk themselves when playing.

While I think the danger of head knocks needs to be reduced and this is occurring in modern day sport, I do overall believe that players take the risk, and therefore must be able to accept the consequences.

Well that's article, I hope you guys enjoyed it, have learnt a bit of my opinion, and most have all have realised the danger associated with playing full contact sport.

Have a great day, and keep reading!