Introduction
When discussing the question of whether or not children should be allowed to play contact sports that may lead to head injuries, several things need to be considered. First of all, the consequences of such injuries, for example, concussions, can have both short- and long-term effects. Initial symptoms of a concussion are dizziness, tiredness, headaches, and nausea. Long-term results of suffering head trauma, if untreated, include changes in the emotional and cognitive aspects of a person. Therefore, if these effects were a completely unavoidable part of any contact sport, the logical decision would be to ban these activities.
Discussion
However, with all of the risks that come with engaging in these activities, there are social and emotional factors that play a positive role in children’s lives. Participating in sports, especially team sports that involve relying on one another, develops a sense of belonging and responsibility in a child. It is also important to mention the beneficial impacts of regular physical activity that physical contact sports provide.
Another aspect of this discussion that needs to be taken into consideration is whether these consequences can be minimized or completely eliminated. Since the main argument against these sports lies within their dangers to children, the abolishment of the said dangers would be the solution. If safety is taken seriously, it will lead to fewer risks of dangerous occurrences among players. In order to achieve this safety, the coaches need to be well-trained, and the safety gear needs to fit the children properly. It is also important to allow children to have a good rest after practices and games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physical contact sports may lead to head traumas, for example, concussions, and therefore they can be dangerous to a child’s developing organism. At the same time, these sports have several practical benefits (physical, emotional, and social) for children’s development. If executed properly, safety measures can minimize the harmful occurrences and their consequences. These measures include well-fitting gear, highly-educated coaches, and sufficient time for rest.