FOOTBALL - Play Smart Play Safe

The current penalty for a helmet to helmet hit is an unsportsmanlike conduct call with a 15 yard penalty against the team. There are currently no consequences for the player who executes the hit.

Coaches, Trainers, Doctors, Parents and Players agree, not enough is being done to protect the players. If a professional player is fined for a helmet to helmet hit, then why aren’t there stiffer penalties for younger players on all levels? It’s no secret that severe injuries occur such as concussions, spinal injuries or even death as a result of a helmet to helmet hit.

The New Rule should be: Immediate ejection of the player and a minimum of a one game suspension. Severe injuries can be reduced and perhaps avoided if the players are retaught to play smarter, safer football.

Your support in exposing this problem will bring awareness and develop an appropriate solution. If players are given proper training on a regular basis and are penalized appropriately, perhaps we will see the number of head injuries greatly reduced and thus alleviate the number of players who experience brain damage later in life. Protect our players…play smart, play safe.