Reducing Head and Neck Injuries in Football
Frederick O. Mueller, Ph.D.

Head and neck injuries in football have been dramatically reduced since the late 1960s. Several suggestions for continued reduction are as follow:

  1. Preseason physical exams for all participants. Identify during the physical exam those athletes with a history of previous head or neck injuries. If the physician has any questions about the athlete's readiness to participate, the athlete should not be allowed to play.
       
  2. A physician should be present at all games. If it is not possible for a physician to be present at all games and practice sessions, emergency measures must be provided. The total staff should be organized in that each person will know what to do in case of head or neck injury in game or practice. Have a plan ready and have your staff prepared to implement that plan. Prevention of further injury is the main objective.
       
  3. Athletes must be given proper conditioning exercises which will strengthen their necks so that participants will be able to hold their head firmly erect when making contact. Strong neck muscles may help prevent neck injuries.
       
  4. Coaches should drill the athletes in the proper execution of the fundamentals of football skills, particularly blocking and tackling. KEEP THE HEAD OUT OF FOOTBALL.
       
  5. Coaches and officials should discourage the players from using their heads as battering rams. The rules prohibiting spearing should be enforced in practice and in games. The players should be taught to respect the helmet as a protective device and that the helmet should not be used as a weapon.
        
  6. All coaches, physicians and trainers should take special care to see that the player's equipment is properly fitted, particularly the helmet.
       
  7. Strict enforcement of the rules of the game by both coaches and officials will help reduce serious injuries.
       
  8. When a player has experienced or shown signs of head trauma (loss of consciousness, visual disturbances, headache, inability to walk correctly, obvious disorientation, memory loss) he should receive immediate medical attention and should not be allowed to return to practice or game without permission from proper medical authorities.

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