Poll: Half of parents would discourage kids from football

February 2, 2018 / FootballSports Medicine
A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that nearly half of parents would discourage their kids from playing football due to concussion concerns.

The same poll was conducted in 2014, when 37% of parents said they would steer their kids away from football. Today, that number stands at 46%.

The poll also found that 53% of mothers, 39% of fathers and 48% of all Americans would encourage their child to play a different sport.

From NBC News:

In addition, the NBC/WSJ poll found that 33 percent of Americans believe the NFL has taken meaningful action to reduce and prevent concussions — down from 41 percent in 2014. (28% percent said the NFL had not taken meaningful action, up 8 points since 2014.)

The poll — which was taken after findings of brain disease in deceased NFL football players, as well as after some players began protesting during the national anthem — shows a decline in those who say they closely follow professional football.

According to the survey, 49 percent say they follow the NFL closely, down 9 points since 2014.

Participation in 11-man high school football has declined over the last decade, and injury concerns are among the primary reasons. During this year’s American Football Coaches Association Convention and the USA Football National Conference, a number keynote speakers reminded coaches that the “game is under attack.” They encouraged programs to combat the “false narrative” that the game is dangerous.

Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida native who spoke at USA Football’s Conference, said concerns about the game have “gone from caution to irrational fear.” He touted football benefits, like leadership and teamwork.

Click here to read more from NBC News.


Leave a Reply