The War on Football, Daniel J. Flynn, 2013.

In my years of coaching, I saw very few cases where the kids were playing to satisfy the parents. The game is too demanding and those players that don't want to play are usually the first to quit. Seldom did I see a parent make a kid play the game. Much more common around these parts is a kid who is salivating to play and an over-protective parent prohibiting it because of the potential injury. While I understand a parent's rights and responsibilities, I have seen that decision drive a real wedge between parent and child. That is always a shame.

Your making an "informed decision" for your child that he doesn't get to make for himself. With data that is probably compromised.

I love football. I miss it terribly. But I totally get opting out of it.

I actually do know what I am talking about and I do not have to be rude about it, which I gather is the best way to utilize the "anonymous" cover provided by DCUM. I coached little league football for over 5 years and saw that the most common injury was a rolled ankle, which at the younger ages was usually fine with a few day's rest. The combination of mass and speed (or lack thereof) at the younger ages means that there are far fewer collisions that generate the force that you see on Sundays in the NFL. Your PBS site is sensational and a classic attempt to scare folks into action. It apparently is working. As for concussions at the younger ages, there is now a lower threshold on what is called a concussion -- which is fine for being protective -- but does not necessarily mean there are more concussions -- there are just more events that are being treated as concussions -- again better safe than sorry. Coaches are teaching better hitting techniques that de-emphasize use of the helmet, which will pay off in the long run. There are always going to be injuries in collision sports, but it is not a reason to ban the sport or pull your kids out of a sport that they enjoy. Parents are wise to make sure that proper "heads up" coaching techniques are used in blocking and tackling instruction.

The game of football has been a positive activity for young people for generations. The contact and action draw young people to the sport. Prevention of concussions is a fine goal that should be pursued at all levels of the game. But, let's be clear --there are plenty of people who play the sport through the high school years without serious injury. While injuries can occur, concussions, ACLs, etc., that does not mean that the sport is inherently bad. Informed decisions, confirming good coaching techniques are used and monitoring for possible head injuries are ways to help ensure that the football experience for your youngster is a healthy one. But, please spare me the "you are lucky" speech. I am lucky that I got to play this wonderful game and that I got to see my sons enjoy the sport that their grandfathers played. With any "luck," I will get to see my grandchildren line up and play, too.