While football is extremely prevalent in the American society, the tremendous contact and skyrocketing concussion rates have stimulated concern about the exposure of developing brains to neurological trauma, resulting in lasting cognitive impairment. Julie Stamm, with a PhD in anatomy and neurobiology, utilizes experimental data to demonstrate the correlation between football athletes who play prior to the age of 12 and long term critical impairment in memory, flexibility, and intelligence (Moran). In contrast to mature or developed athletes, the neurological development peak in adolescents at the age of 12 exposes youth athletes to a “window of vulnerability,” leading to heightened risk of long-term neurological damage (Moran). During the …show more content…
His assertion is representative of the social movement distancing youth athletes from the hazards of tackle football. Notably, USA football titled flag football the fastest-growing youth sport, affirming the dynamic shift away from contact sports (Anastasia). Correspondingly, nation-wide youth leagues are reforming regulations to conform with modern research. Specifically, The LA84 foundation, the preeminent financial sponsor of Southern California football leagues, is implementing revolutionized guidelines to ensure the safety of athletes (“‘The LA84 Foundation Confronts Concussions in Youth Football"). Through delaying tackle leagues until the age of eight, increasing training standards of coaches and referees, and limiting physical contact during practice, The LA84 foundation has modified guidelines to allow for continued participation, while ensuring the long-term safety of their athletes. The LA84 foundation is a prominent example of to the nation wide movement to protect America’s youth from the abiding effect of neurological