Concussion in Sport: The Dangers of Safety

Experiencing a few concussions over my lifetime has given me the opportunity to understand more about the process one goes through and more importantly, the signs and symptoms of concussion.  Some of my concussions have been more severe than others, but the results are much longer lasting than you would expect.

There are many factors that have contributed to the increase in the number of concussions in the past few year:  Much improved awareness about the signs and symptoms of concussion (especially weeks to months after a concussion) and return to play after a concussion, changes in the diagnostic criteria, and players in sports are much bigger, stronger and faster than they were in the past.

Possibly one of the overlooked factors is the "Dangers of Safety" in sport.  Sporting equipment and padding has evolved significantly since I started playing sports.  For instance, look at the older shoulder pads and helmets that hockey and football players use to wear and compare them to today.  One of the problems with making equipment safer is that players will feel more apt to take a risk.  This means they can be more confident in trying to make a bigger hit or a harder tackle.  As has been seen in some sports, there are players who make attempts to injury or take other players out of game.

In no way am I saying that we need to reduce the size of equipment and risk an individuals safety.  However, it may be time to get to the grass roots and teach kids how to use their sporting equipment properly and safely.

Concussions can have a long lasting impact, especially on a young child.  There is a documentary coming out called Head Games that should help spread awareness.  Have a look at the trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzQqEos6LVI&feature=youtu.be