Comment Writer Joshua Brooks discusses the implications of head injuries for contact sports
Head injuries are becoming a hotly debated topic in the world of contact sports. Evidence suggests that concussions resulting from American football, boxing and rugby union, among others, seem to be being strongly linked to more debilitating illnesses in later life such as CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy), Alzheimer’s and dementia. CTE has been central to the discussion, due to the probability of it causing aggression in those it affects.
CTE’s potential effects were publicised by the 2020 true crime documentary, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, which examined potential reasons behind Hernandez’s murder of Odin Lloyd, citing CTE as a probable factor. CTE was found to be connected to the NFL by physician Bennet Omalu. This discovery was immediately tarnished, specifically by three scientists, who branded his work inaccurate. It was later discovered that these scientists were being paid by the NFL. It seems it was paramount for the NFL to shut down any possibility of controversy surrounding the game, as they would stand to lose hundreds of millions over such a scandal. They would stand to lose hundreds of millions over such a scandal
I believe this move is not only irresponsible, but immoral. The NFL has seemingly placed profits over their players’ welfare, treating them as assets not people. Their players are expendable, with a constant flow of new talent. They can afford to lose players who sustain brain injuries and continue to deny the glaringly obvious issues. When it comes to the NFL, I am inclined to agree with Daniel Sailofsky’s article in The Guardian, that unless there are dramatic changes, we should no longer watch the sport. The practices of the NFL are immoral and unsafe. However, that is not to say that all contact sports should therefore be banned.
I can personally testify to the huge benefits that contact sports can provide. The teamwork and community formed by contact sport is special. It forms lifelong friendships and a feeling of comradery which I have seldom felt elsewhere in our society. Moreover, the relief from sadness, anxiety and aggression that rugby provided me and many friends cannot be understated. Contact sports can be hugely beneficial to mental health. This experience is not unique. Knowing many people involved with both amateur and professional rugby, these benefits seem universal.
It is evident that such sports will cause bodily harm, which is especially important when it comes to the brain. Yet, it is important to consider the huge benefits that sport can bring, alongside these negatives. The idea that head injuries and CTE should stop us watching contact sports is unfounded. Its links to violence are hugely under-researched, and research in non-professional participants is almost non-existent. Yes, there is a clear risk, but if we educate and take the necessary precautions, using proper guidelines to mitigate head injuries, it is possible to allow contact sport to continue, even flourish.
It is possible to allow contact sport to continue, even flourish
I believe that the best example of such guidelines and understanding can be found in English rugby union. The rules and regulations of the NFL are upheld by the NFL. In comparison, top tier English rugby (The Gallagher Premiership), is held to account by an external governing body, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the Rugby Players Association (RPA). The RPA allows players to have a direct influence over the game and make sure player safety can be at the heart of the sport. The RFU works in partnership with the Premiership to provide regulations. They also have a sub-group called the Medical Advisory Group, who work with current medical science to protect players.
One way in which this is done is through the RFUs HEADCASE programme, ‘one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources’. Throughout my school rugby career, I was, without knowing it, aware of HEADCASE. The importance of identifying and properly treating head injuries was constantly drilled into us. This stems from the fact that the RFU not only provides regulation for the professional game, but also grassroots rugby. Health and safety regulations, especially the importance of head injuries are consistent across England.
I experienced a concussion while playing rugby and was immediately removed from the game. I went through the relevant tests, and it was established that I did in fact have a concussion. Subsequently, at school, I began the RFUs Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) programme. This is in place to ensure, following a concussion, you do not put any stress on the brain. You slowly work your way back up to full contact over a minimum 3-week period. These programmes are essential to maintain the wellbeing of players, educate children on the significance of head injuries and are continually updated based on the latest science.
On the topic of children in the sport, the RFU also provides a way for children to get involved with limits on the risk of head injury. As stated, because the RFU is also in charge of grassroots regulations, they can standardise rules country-wide. This means they can make rules for each age group and help kids to slowly progress into full contact. New rules are added with each age group, ultimately resulting in the full contact rules at U16 level. It allows children to learn safe techniques in each added discipline over the course of a year. This means chances of head injuries are radically mitigated.
Another way the RFU has moved towards player safety regarding head injuries is through rule changes. Especially their introduction of more red card offences. This has been able to be especially effective within rugby because of the RFU. They do not hold a stake in teams in the same way that the NFL do, so they can bring in rule changes to protect players.
Over recent years there has been a crackdown on any unnecessary or reckless head contact by World Rugby. Players and officials have stressed the importance of concussion avoidance. Ireland international player Tadhg Furlong stated: ‘The culture around concussion has completely changed and it’s no longer acceptable for players to continue in a game if they’re even suspected of having a concussion’. Contact sports have brought huge benefits to many people’s lives
I believe that if the regulatory committees of contact sports take into account the issues of head injuries and address them, going off the latest scientific research, we can hugely mitigate the problems head injuries pose to the sports. If sports take a similar approach to rugby union, then it seems the positives that can be gained from them may outweigh the risks. It is important to educate players of all ages on head injuries, which the RFU, from my experience, have done an excellent job of. Contact sports have brought huge benefits to many people’s lives.
It would be wrong to stop people playing them when it is possible to alleviate risk of head injury. Once education and regulatory precautions are in place, it is then down to players to decide if the risks are worth it. Not to mention the countless fans who get joy from watching the sports. When we put safety ahead of profit, we can create an environment in which a huge number of players and fans can benefit.
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