Risks of competitive sports Playing competitive and contact sports has numerous physical, social and health benefits. However, despite the benefits of playing sports, the decision to engage in contact sports like football should not be taken lightly. Often overlooked, playing contact sports like football can lead to multiple concussions, which can ultimately result in short- and long-term traumatic brain injuries. These concussions occur when you receive a violent blow to the head from an outside force. The short- and long-term effects of concussions caused by contact sports have been a controversial topic of discussion over the past decade in football, especially following the unexpected death of former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, who was diagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). ), a degenerative brain disease found in athletes with a history of brain trauma. Based on the alarming statistics on concussions in football, it is imperative that football communities at all levels of the game strongly discuss the various effects of concussions and impose appropriate regulations in order to create an environment more conducive to player health and safety of football. and their families. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), being the primary concern for the effects of long-term traumatic brain injuries in football players, makes it critical that regulations are strictly enforced that further help protect football athletes against concussions. ETC, resulting from multiple traumas, is a disease that currently has no reliable process for correct diagnosis and requires evidence of "brain degeneration and deposits of tau and other proteins that can only be seen after surgery." 'inspection after death' (Mayo). Currently, there are only two methods to diagnose CTE, namely through different forms of MRI and position emission tomography (Abreu 5), which have been shown to not be completely accurate. Considering the devastating consequences of fatal CTE, it is vital that rules that prevent initial concussions or prevent their recurrence are rigorously enforced, as the only methods available to diagnose this disease are imprecise, further putting lives at risk. athletes. danger as they may not see the effects of their concussions until it is too late. The increasing frequency of concussions in football at all levels does not help or justify the problem currently plaguing the sport. Due to the increasing rate of traumatic brain injuries among footballers, rules relating to player safety must become a greater concern and must be strictly adhered to by all those involved in the football community. For example, a study published earlier this year assessed the frequency of concussions in football. Study results showed that 47% of all reported sports concussions occur during high school football games and that one in five high school athletes will suffer a concussion during the season (Harmon). Additionally, a total of 169 concussions were reported at the Division 1 level (Lynall 97) and 271 nationwide (Campbell). With the frequent occurrence of concussions, football clubs should be obliged by the association officials.