With all of this new state-of-the-art sporting equipment, we’re made to believe that high school sports have actually been made safer over the years. But, when we hear the chants and cheers; the utter excitement of the local crowd as the pigskin is sent hurtling into the air towards the Island Trees Bulldogs’ top receiver, it almost makes us, the spectators, forget how hard these teens are really hitting each other.
That is why in 1982, the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research was founded, to use data and research to prevent these catastrophic sports injuries from occurring. Through their research, scientists have developed the modern sporting equipment we use today to try and prevent further injuries in the game.
However, if the new equipment is supposed to be so much safer, then why are so many more youth athletes being treated with concussions? And if more protective equipment won’t lessen the number of high school students treated with concussions, what will?
Floral Park readers, what do you think? What can be done? Visit the Floral Park Dispatch Facebook page to share your opinion.
