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Dr. Paul Butler Wants to Ban High School Football Because of Injuries
Dr. Paul Butler, a school board member in Dover, New Hampshire, wants to ban high school football, citing the serious injuries to young players (video below).
A former high school and college player himself, Dr. Butler says recent studies have revealed just how dangerous the game is, reports WHDH-TV.
Dr. Paul Butler told WHDH-TV: "I'll do my best to try to convince the other members of the school board that it’s a dangerous game and that we should abandon it."
"Football, unlike hockey, unlike lacrosse, both of which are violent games, football is the one where the head gets repeatedly banged."
Dr. Butler says he will bring his controversial proposed ban on high school football to a vote soon: "I think it’s bad to take this away I certainly do. But it’s worse to let it continue."
Other school board members have not voiced opposition to high school football. Most parents and players oppose Dr. Butler's plan.
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Comments
Knee-jerk reactions and
Knee-jerk reactions and drastic so-called solutions are never the answer. There are ways of reducing the danger that are being employed as we type. Take this grand-standing for what it is...pressure on parents and coaches to demand change. Training, recognition, treatment and safety equipment are all available, but parents aren't vocal or demanding enough to get coaches and ADs to adopt and utilize them.
he's right, of course, about
he's right, of course, about the physical injuries, but i doubt that he'll make much headway in getting the game banned in high school even as far north as new hampshire.
for one thing, if someone does want to play professionally (a long shot, of course), the normal thing is for him to be recruited by a college when he's finishing high school and then to be recruited by a team when he's finishing college. this is a career choice, not just a game.
for another thing, he is forgetting the social aspect inherent in any sport. even if he manages to get it banned in schools, there's no way that you could successfully keep kids from playing it outside of school. i don't think that this would cut down on the danger; it might even increase it because coaches are professionals, but parents aren't.
The damage done by yard ball
The damage done by yard ball is no comparison to organized football or other contact sports.
However, I agree that the social pressure to keep football going will stop this from becoming a reality.
He is absolutely right. I
He is absolutely right. I have friends in the late 40's suffering from football injuies that have been lifelong. Contact sports in general are not good for children.