Why isn’t youth football a big sport around here?

[Anonymous]

The most ctes are found in cycling. Why? Because more people cycle then play football.

Ve careful when you read statistics. Are they saying a higher number of football players have ctes because there are more players than say lacrosse, or a higher percentage of players?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People are educated here.

CTE. Nobody wants their kids to play anything but flag football if they are going to play football.

Also, tackle football is very “American,” and people are here are “educated” (indoctrinated) to hate typically American things such as the U.S. flag, the military, the heartland (they deride it as “flyover country”), baseball and hockey (too white), etc.

People around here are actually very closed-minded and ignorant, but it’s amusing to hear them arrogantly proclaim how “educated” they believe themselves to be.

Hmmm. We (2 former military officers) did not allow our sons to play tackle football, even though one of us played at one of the service academies. Our sons played hockey, flag football. You do not need to play tackle at an early age, you just need to be a good athlete. How do I know this? DH didn't play tackle until D1 at his service academy, and DS started playing his sophomore year of high school and now plays D1 Football. We do not hate the flag, but we do not fly it as we are not confused about what country we live in and have no need for overt displays of our patriotism since we feel we did our part already by serving in teh military. Which is confusing to many since we are also Democrats. Yep, plenty of people in the military are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The most ctes are found in cycling. Why? Because more people cycle then play football.

Ve careful when you read statistics. Are they saying a higher number of football players have ctes because there are more players than say lacrosse, or a higher percentage of players?

You are conflating CTE with brain injury. Cycling has a high number of brain injuries reported but there is currently no know correlation between cycling and CTE. However, one could imagine that BMX style of stunt riding may have some yet to be discovered correlation to CTE due to its similar nature of head injury, particularly the more frequent sub-concussive type of events.

In terms of the current statistics for CTE and football - It is in a higher percentage of the brains observed; and that percentage rate INCREASES more years of play and corresponding higher level of play: lower percentage for youth; higher for college and highest for NFL(over 90%)

[Anonymous]

Football just isn’t a very fun sport for most kids. Unless you’re QB, WR or RB, it’s not very fun.

When kids play football in the neighborhood, no one says “I’ll be the right tackle!” Most kids also don’t get amped up to hit/block/tackle someone. Some do, for sure, but most would rather not if given the choice.

All the reasons people used to play are diminishing. There’s more options now with other sports more available and accessible. The social gains kids get by being a football player isn’t as strong, it’s not as cool as it was to say you’re a football player. And our society culture has changed where the hive mindset of subjecting yourself to a fairly rough and unfun sport and culture just isn’t something you have to go along with anymore, that peer pressure isn't as strong. And then there’s the CTE issue with parents less enthusiastic about it.

The kids who play tend to be kids of football fanatic parents or have nothing else to do, which is fine and great to have the option. But many kids and families have other better options, including kids of former football players.

[Anonymous]

Uumm, concussions, head injuries that can last a life time! Hmmmm, wonder why parents don’t want their kids playing football. Many you played too much football, hence the the dumb question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Football just isn’t a very fun sport for most kids. Unless you’re QB, WR or RB, it’s not very fun.

When kids play football in the neighborhood, no one says “I’ll be the right tackle!” Most kids also don’t get amped up to hit/block/tackle someone. Some do, for sure, but most would rather not if given the choice.

All the reasons people used to play are diminishing. There’s more options now with other sports more available and accessible. The social gains kids get by being a football player isn’t as strong, it’s not as cool as it was to say you’re a football player. And our society culture has changed where the hive mindset of subjecting yourself to a fairly rough and unfun sport and culture just isn’t something you have to go along with anymore, that peer pressure isn't as strong. And then there’s the CTE issue with parents less enthusiastic about it.

The kids who play tend to be kids of football fanatic parents or have nothing else to do, which is fine and great to have the option. But many kids and families have other better options, including kids of former football players.

This. It's genuinely not a fun sport to play at most positions. Not even QB, RB, or WR. You get absolutely wrecked most games. And the tackling positions aren't much better. Open field tackles hurt for everyone. It might look like fun for spectators, but on the field it's brutal. Everyone hurts after a game. I played corner in high school for a couple of years. Decided to focus on hockey instead. Much more of a skill game and more enjoyable as a player. Also a better culture. Football coaches tend to be a**holes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People around here think football is for poor people. They cite CTE and concussions while driving their kids to equally dangerous sports.

like what?

Lots of sports are equally or more dangerous than football. Cheerleading, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, skateboarding, hockey, equestrian...

Also this: " new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that girls who play high school soccer are at nearly the same risk for traumatic brain injuries as boys who play high school football"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2019/11/07/the-concussion-gender-gap-why-girls-suffer-more-head-injuries/?sh=5a2f4e026937

But meanwhile, DCUM has a whole forum dedicated to soccer.

The hate on youth tackle football is rooted in classism and racism, lets be honest. The posts on this thread prove it. People say they are "too educated" to let their kids play, and that the tackle football isn't really a thing in the DMV (go check out Saturday afternoons in PG county; youth football is doing great there), but they really mean that they don't want to associate with either poor white or black people.

And then they drive to their soccer tournaments where little Larla has virtually the same risk

How many of those girls ended up with CTE?

Who knows? How many youth football players will end up with CTE? We also don't know that, given the changes to helmets/safe tackling that have been implemented in the last 10 years.

The point isn't whether football is dangerous; it very clearly is. The point is that the smug parents that condemn football families but let their daughters play soccer should probably take a moment to reflect.

The difference in risk is not as great as they like to tell themselves

+1

Our area starts football young. Procedures, training and equipment have changed. Is it still dangerous? Yes, but so are soccer, lacrosse and rugby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where I am from, kids start playing in the neighborhood leagues by 1st grade.

Why do we have to be like" where you are from?" Should have stayed there if it was that important

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People around here think football is for poor people. They cite CTE and concussions while driving their kids to equally dangerous sports.

like what?

Lots of sports are equally or more dangerous than football. Cheerleading, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, skateboarding, hockey, equestrian...

Also this: " new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that girls who play high school soccer are at nearly the same risk for traumatic brain injuries as boys who play high school football"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2019/11/07/the-concussion-gender-gap-why-girls-suffer-more-head-injuries/?sh=5a2f4e026937

But meanwhile, DCUM has a whole forum dedicated to soccer.

The hate on youth tackle football is rooted in classism and racism, lets be honest. The posts on this thread prove it. People say they are "too educated" to let their kids play, and that the tackle football isn't really a thing in the DMV (go check out Saturday afternoons in PG county; youth football is doing great there), but they really mean that they don't want to associate with either poor white or black people.

And then they drive to their soccer tournaments where little Larla has virtually the same risk

How many of those girls ended up with CTE?

Who knows? How many youth football players will end up with CTE? We also don't know that, given the changes to helmets/safe tackling that have been implemented in the last 10 years.

The point isn't whether football is dangerous; it very clearly is. The point is that the smug parents that condemn football families but let their daughters play soccer should probably take a moment to reflect.

The difference in risk is not as great as they like to tell themselves

+1

Our area starts football young. Procedures, training and equipment have changed. Is it still dangerous? Yes, but so are soccer, lacrosse and rugby.

We've covered this already a page or two back:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/105/1134530.page#25117621

Equating the long-term brain health risks and CTE from tackle football to most other sports, in particular, soccer and lacrosse, is just wrong and uninformed.

Furthermore the most recent research is showing that it's not just exposure at the higher level of play for this risk, it's at the youth level as well:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/105/1134530.page#25145387

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because we are an incredibly educated community and we know that CTE is real and want our kids to have a future.

This.

Both of my parents are from poor southern states (KY, AL) and came to the DC area for college. All of my cousins live in the south and their kids start football at age 3 down there. I've talked with my cousins about this and they simply don't believe "the CTE hype."

Same experience. I am *literally* a certified brain injury specialist and have worked with some of the worlds EXPERTS. Nahhhh. Brains are resilient doncha know

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Football just isn’t a very fun sport for most kids. Unless you’re QB, WR or RB, it’s not very fun.

When kids play football in the neighborhood, no one says “I’ll be the right tackle!” Most kids also don’t get amped up to hit/block/tackle someone. Some do, for sure, but most would rather not if given the choice.

All the reasons people used to play are diminishing. There’s more options now with other sports more available and accessible. The social gains kids get by being a football player isn’t as strong, it’s not as cool as it was to say you’re a football player. And our society culture has changed where the hive mindset of subjecting yourself to a fairly rough and unfun sport and culture just isn’t something you have to go along with anymore, that peer pressure isn't as strong. And then there’s the CTE issue with parents less enthusiastic about it.

The kids who play tend to be kids of football fanatic parents or have nothing else to do, which is fine and great to have the option. But many kids and families have other better options, including kids of former football players.

This. It's genuinely not a fun sport to play at most positions. Not even QB, RB, or WR. You get absolutely wrecked most games. And the tackling positions aren't much better. Open field tackles hurt for everyone. It might look like fun for spectators, but on the field it's brutal. Everyone hurts after a game. I played corner in high school for a couple of years. Decided to focus on hockey instead. Much more of a skill game and more enjoyable as a player. Also a better culture. Football coaches tend to be a**holes

My DS is a 3 sport athlete in HS and played just about every sport in his youth. This is the stereotype that has changed the most. Youth football coaches are the best coaches. We have now played in 3 different programs and the coaches have all been excellent. They do hold their players more accountable, even at a youth age, to do as instructed/coached when compared to other sports. But it was always in a calm way. Never angry. Never berating.

And keep in mind, many many kids DO have fun playing football. Even at the non-skill positions. It's not just "fanatical" parents forcing kids. That's just silliness.

just because you didn't enjoy playing CB as a kid, doesnt mean there aren't kids that love playing defense end. In fact, in 6th grade, coaches moved my son from DE to LB (and then in HS to safety), due to his size, and each time he was bummed bc he likes mixing it up and being physical. Some kids really do love it, even if the ball doesnt often come their way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People around here think football is for poor people. They cite CTE and concussions while driving their kids to equally dangerous sports.

like what?

Lots of sports are equally or more dangerous than football. Cheerleading, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, skateboarding, hockey, equestrian...

Also this: " new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that girls who play high school soccer are at nearly the same risk for traumatic brain injuries as boys who play high school football"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2019/11/07/the-concussion-gender-gap-why-girls-suffer-more-head-injuries/?sh=5a2f4e026937

But meanwhile, DCUM has a whole forum dedicated to soccer.

The hate on youth tackle football is rooted in classism and racism, lets be honest. The posts on this thread prove it. People say they are "too educated" to let their kids play, and that the tackle football isn't really a thing in the DMV (go check out Saturday afternoons in PG county; youth football is doing great there), but they really mean that they don't want to associate with either poor white or black people.

And then they drive to their soccer tournaments where little Larla has virtually the same risk

How many of those girls ended up with CTE?

Who knows? How many youth football players will end up with CTE? We also don't know that, given the changes to helmets/safe tackling that have been implemented in the last 10 years.

The point isn't whether football is dangerous; it very clearly is. The point is that the smug parents that condemn football families but let their daughters play soccer should probably take a moment to reflect.

The difference in risk is not as great as they like to tell themselves

+1

Our area starts football young. Procedures, training and equipment have changed. Is it still dangerous? Yes, but so are soccer, lacrosse and rugby.

You do not need to start young in football. There is very little skill development. If you want to play show up in 9th grade. It’s not like soccer or basketball. Most of the players never touch the ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Football just isn’t a very fun sport for most kids. Unless you’re QB, WR or RB, it’s not very fun.

When kids play football in the neighborhood, no one says “I’ll be the right tackle!” Most kids also don’t get amped up to hit/block/tackle someone. Some do, for sure, but most would rather not if given the choice.

All the reasons people used to play are diminishing. There’s more options now with other sports more available and accessible. The social gains kids get by being a football player isn’t as strong, it’s not as cool as it was to say you’re a football player. And our society culture has changed where the hive mindset of subjecting yourself to a fairly rough and unfun sport and culture just isn’t something you have to go along with anymore, that peer pressure isn't as strong. And then there’s the CTE issue with parents less enthusiastic about it.

The kids who play tend to be kids of football fanatic parents or have nothing else to do, which is fine and great to have the option. But many kids and families have other better options, including kids of former football players.

This. It's genuinely not a fun sport to play at most positions. Not even QB, RB, or WR. You get absolutely wrecked most games. And the tackling positions aren't much better. Open field tackles hurt for everyone. It might look like fun for spectators, but on the field it's brutal. Everyone hurts after a game. I played corner in high school for a couple of years. Decided to focus on hockey instead. Much more of a skill game and more enjoyable as a player. Also a better culture. Football coaches tend to be a**holes

My DS is a 3 sport athlete in HS and played just about every sport in his youth. This is the stereotype that has changed the most. Youth football coaches are the best coaches. We have now played in 3 different programs and the coaches have all been excellent. They do hold their players more accountable, even at a youth age, to do as instructed/coached when compared to other sports. But it was always in a calm way. Never angry. Never berating.

And keep in mind, many many kids DO have fun playing football. Even at the non-skill positions. It's not just "fanatical" parents forcing kids. That's just silliness.

just because you didn't enjoy playing CB as a kid, doesnt mean there aren't kids that love playing defense end. In fact, in 6th grade, coaches moved my son from DE to LB (and then in HS to safety), due to his size, and each time he was bummed bc he likes mixing it up and being physical. Some kids really do love it, even if the ball doesnt often come their way.

DP. I played and was a starter for 4 years in HS. Football practices suck. It is not fun at all. Games are okay but most players do not get on the field by HS. Most are scout team/backups. The best players on our teams never played before 9th grade.

[Anonymous]

Because this area has more education, people are generally of higher intelligence, and they know signing up your kids for a sport where their brains get turned into mashed potatoes is a pretty dumb idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People are educated here.

CTE. Nobody wants their kids to play anything but flag football if they are going to play football.

Also, tackle football is very “American,” and people are here are “educated” (indoctrinated) to hate typically American things such as the U.S. flag, the military, the heartland (they deride it as “flyover country”), baseball and hockey (too white), etc.

People around here are actually very closed-minded and ignorant, but it’s amusing to hear them arrogantly proclaim how “educated” they believe themselves to be.

You think people in the DMV hate the military? Its like every 3rd person in many neighborhoods either in the service or working for DOD. You think baseball is too white?!

For god's sake go out and touch some grass and get reality not what your weirdo conservative rage farm radio feeds you all day