Tackling CTE:
How the negligence of the NCAA is killing its players and what we can do to stop it
Via FirstCoastNews.com
What is CTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy dominates the football community as a silent but profound menace, especially within the realm of college football. These kids are left unrepairable and progressive brain damage long after college. The disease has cast a shadow over the sport, prompting a dire need for awareness, education, and transformative action.
According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE is a neurodegenerative brain condition. This means that over the course of one's lifetime, the disease will worsen and can end up killing them. This disease is caused by repetitive, traumatic hits to the head or neck area that results in abnormal protein buildup in the brain, which leads to various cognitive, emotional, and motor impairments.
Symptoms:
Some symptoms include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, development of Parkinson's disease , and, eventually, progressive dementia.
CTE in College Football
Come Saturday, everybody is ready for college football. However, there is a dark reality that exists.
The chance of getting CTE while playing football increases by 15% each year. The following harrowing statistics do not only illuminate the magnitude of the issue, but also underscores the urgent need for intervention. For me, it is a personal motivation.
My father, who is now 55 and played college football in the early 90s, actively struggles with chronic headaches and anxiety that are the most common symptoms of CTE. Witnessing the toll, it takes on his life propels my crusade.
92%
Of players will develop CTE.(According to Boston College)
72%
Of concussions suffered are in practice.(According to NY Times)
1/3
Of College football coaches did not receive concussion education from their institution
(According to Concussion Legacy Foundation)
What Can Be Done?
Strengthening Vertebral Muscles
According to Patti Verbenas at Rutgers University, learning neck strengthening exercises may be crucial in lessening the trauma to the head and neck areas. Vertebral muscles are a huge, yet neglected facet of training and should be taken into consideration. Stimulus to these muscles create strength and size which act as a buffer against blows to the head.
Tackling Seminars
First and foremost, players need to be educated. They need to know what CTE is, how it will affect them, and the steps they can take for safety. This includes seminars in which players will need to attend mandatory safety discussions and learn proper tackling form. This creates a level of safety that double as tactical necessities that act as a shield against CTE.
Equipment Mandation
New helmets with improved padding, mouth guards, collars, and helmet accessories like guardian caps are another way to lessen the shock to the head and neck as studied by the Brain Injury Law Center. Equipment is a great way to lessen the blow, but this solution is not the most effective.