As per my usual routine, I arrive at the office sometime in the afternoon. Wednesday wasn’t different. When I arrived, I took a look at the TGI website and noticed there were some comments on the article I wrote about
As per my usual routine, I arrive at the office sometime in the afternoon. Wednesday wasn’t different.
When I arrived, I took a look at the TGI website and noticed there were some comments on the article I wrote about Saturday’s youth football coaches clinic. Curiosity leads me to click the link and see what those who cared to comment had to say.
One comment read, “Hell, I get a concussion every time my wife catches me coming home too late and sneaking in the house.” To you, good sir, I recommend stashing a helmet in your car. Ha.
The other comment was much more serious. In its entirety, it read, “We know it causes brain damage so allowing children to participate in this sport is child abuse. They have this alternative it is called flag football and should be played until the child has become an adult and can make a choice for themselves. I know it is all about winning and making $$$$$$. Coaches are perpetrators of child abuse. Get real and see it for what it is.”
First, I’ve never seen money to be made in youth sports. I have, however, seen parents shell out hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars out of their pocket for their kids to participate. Whether or not they do so in hopes of their kid turning pro one day is an argument for another time. Also, a lot of youth coaches are volunteers. Some may be paid, but often the time and energy they give is worth miles more than what they could get back in a paycheck.
Second, calling youth football child abuse is way harsh. Child abuse infers deliberately causing harm. The intention of youth sports is the exact opposite.
Yes, this person is right that there is a level of risk involved, especially in a contact sport such as football. However, it’s not a secret that football, — all sports, in fact — to some degree is dangerous. What is a parent to do? Wrap their child in a giant bubble for the rest of their lives?
It’s also not a secret this country loves American football. Don’t believe me? Go to a game or stop by at a sports bar during football season. I bet the fans you will encounter are just as, if not more, zealous and passionate as the fans at the FIFA World Cup. (Side note: Good job Team USA.)
Lastly, there are safety measures being taken, such as the coaches clinic. The coaches care about their players’ well-being. I know because I, too, played sports in high school. My coach never sent us out simply to beat each other up. Safety was top priority. That is why coaches aren’t the “perpetrators of child abuse” as this commentator believes them to be. They care about the kids, as do the parents who place their trust in these coaches. As what coaches whom I’ve talked to always say: “It’s all about the kids.”
