concussions

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Parents around the country are taking notice. Within the last decade alone, the exorbitant amount of coverage and publicity revolving around concussions has caused many to question whether it is safe for children to participate in contact sports. However, it is beneficial that more attention is being paid toward this subject matter as more research is now being done to improve safety for all participants. Kids should not be prevented from participating in contact sports because of the life lessons that that can be obtained and because of the increased priority that that has been placed on medical care, prevention, and overall awareness. However, it is pivotal that proper guidance is available after one suffers their first concussion so that the appropriate decision can be formulated as to whether one can return to the sport. The benefits of participating in sports are too great to prohibit a kid to play based on the risk of suffering a concussion. According to Dr. William Meehan, the director of the sports concussion clinic at Massachusetts Children’s Hospital, “The risk of sustaining a sport-related concussion, however, is outweighed by the tremendous benefits that athletes derive from participation in sports” (37). There is risk in just about anything so the fact that there are benefits attributed toward taking part in sports should make playing a no brainer. These skills can be translated to help them succeed in the future, “Through sports, children learn about competition, fair-play, problem-solving, and social interaction. Football potentially brings all of these desirable behaviors and skills together” (McClemont). These abilities are pertinent to having success in whatever juncture one encounters, so what better w... ... middle of paper ... ...on about any sign of an injury that may have occurred. If this criteria is met, there is nothing withstanding a child from playing a game that can me so much more to them than scoring a touchdown. The preparation and discipline developed can last a lifetime. Children should not be excluded from participating in contact sports. Works Cited Culverhouse, Gay. Throwaway Players. Lake Forest: Behler Publications, LLC, 2012. Print. McClemont, Jon and Joan Baker. “Would You Encourage your Child to Play Youth Football?” American Teacher May/Jun. 2013: 3. Sirs Issues Researcher. Web. 21 May 2014. Meehan, William P. Kids, Sports, and Concussion. Santa Barbara: Praeger, 2011. Print. Parks, Peggy J. Concussions. San Diego: Reference Point Press, Inc., 2014, Print. Taeshis, Lauren. “The Concussion Crisis.” Scholastic Choices. 1 Oct. 2012: 4. eLibrary. Web. 20 May 2014.

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