The game of football is one of the most popular sports played by children of all ages. Some start playing for Pop Warner leagues as early as six years old. More children are playing the high impact sport; which requires aggressive hitting and tackling. This puts them at risks of several injuries, including injuries to the brain. Children should not be permitted to play football before their brain fully develops; in order to reduce the risks of permanent damages to their brain.
The risks associated with playing football can be severe for an under developed brain. Children start playing football at a young age and some hope to play for the National Football League (NFL). However, researchers …show more content…
Joining organized sports, like Pop Warner leagues helps teach kids life lessons and offers more benefits than playing a pickup game with their friends (Kahn). Football is a physical sport and offers the benefits of active physical fitness to prevent obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity remains one of the biggest problems facing the country (Kahn). Stanley Herring, states that “being active as a child correlates with being active as an adult” (Kahn). Football teaches work ethics, discipline, and children excel academically because they must learn and retain the elements of the game and playbook. While every sport has risks, by allowing to children to play football it will build character and they will enjoy life long benefits of physical …show more content…
There are several benefits of playing football at a young age but children may sustain life threatening injuries. These injuries include concussions, loss of consciousness, depression, memory loss and premature death. Parents cannot rely on equipment and helmets to guarantee safety or prevention of injuries. Children should not be allowed to play football before the age of 12. The benefits of playing football do not compare to the potential risk of permanent brain