The Webster dictionary defines a concussion as an injury to the brain that is caused by something hitting the head very hard. In the United States (U.S.) about every twenty one seconds a concussion occurs. Research shows every year in the United States about 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur. Around 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury because of concussions. Medical research has shown concussions have a lifelong effect on people. There should be further research and better treatment of concussions in order to help sporting and physical activities to become safer. Younger children are more likely to get a concussion since their brain is still developing and their head is big compared to their body. In a span of eight years from 2001 - 2009 a reported 2.7 million children nineteen years old or younger were treated annually in emergency rooms. Not all of these cases were concussions, but all cases still had symptoms. Children need to be taught more about concussions and ways to prevent concussions. Many people let their children play football at a very young age. A study in the National Football League (NFL) shows that players starting football before the age of twelve have significantly greater impairment of their …show more content…
Many leagues are enforcing this rule to help players stay healthy. In the NFL, if a player were to be aiming for the head on purpose, this is a penalty. The league has recently expanded its rules for a defenseless player hit above the shoulders. Football is a contact sport, but this is a simple change that will help prevent many concussions in the NFL. Another new rule in the NFL is if a player loses his helmet, the play is whistled off. Also when field goals are being kicked, the snapper, who is defenseless, can not have players directly across from him. Referee Walt Anderson, believes many more rule changes will come in future years to help prevent