Should Parents Let Their Child Play Football Pros And Cons

Football is a favorite high school sport. Kids love to play but parents sometimes cringe at the risk of injury or the cost for some of the equipment. The fact is, for many, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Children who play football learn the value of being part of a team as well as gaining physical strength and agility.

The Parents’ Decision

As a parent, you have to make the decisions that will protect your child from danger. You must also be willing to let them grow and learn on their own. Football is a sport that provides children with many unique opportunities. They are included in a team environment and encouraged to participate within the group. When your child comes to you and asks if they can play football, you need to think about all of the options before you give an answer. For many children, football allows them to grow in ways that other activities may not.

Benefits and Risks

Football offers both benefits and risks. In the end, it’s up to you as the parent to choose which one bears more weight in terms of keeping your child balanced and healthy.

• Benefits – Aside from being part of a team, football offers a structured environment for your child to learn to follow rules and take a leadership role in helping other kids excel. Football also gives your child an opportunity to gain strength and agility on a physical level. They become problem solvers and skilled athletes.
• Risks – Because football is a contact sport, the risk of injury is much higher than with other high school sports. Football requires a commitment on behalf of the parents and the child in terms of time and money. Some equipment must be purchased by the parents. When it comes to time, your child may spend several hours a day participating in football-related activities.

Where football is concerned, coaches take as many precautions as possible to keep their players safe. Student-athletes are provided with the equipment they need to stay safe and injury free. Athletes are also given the knowledge they need to play the game in a safe, but competitive manner.

If An Injury Occurs

When your child plays football, there will always be a risk of injury. Even if every precaution is taken, a sprained ankle or hyper-flexed knee, can sideline your child and take them out of the game. It’s important that you make sure injuries received on the field are evaluated by your doctor in a timely fashion. This allows your child to get the care they need and return to the game in the shortest amount of time as possible. Don’t have a doctor? Contact us at BackFit!