Efforts by the NFL and other professional sports leagues are certainly laudable; indeed, we
should commend every attempt to protect the mental and physical health of players. However, new
regulations at the professional level cannot protect amateur players, especially young people. Fatal cases
of CTE have been reported in victims as young as 21. With appropriate equipment and form, tackling
need not be dangerous. Proper tackling form—using the arms and shoulders to aim for a player’s
midsection rather than leading with the top of the head—should be taught at an early age. Youth, high
school, and college leagues should also adopt safety rules even more stringent that the NFL’s.
Furthermore, at an early age, athletes should be educated about the serious dangers of head injuries