Walton-Fisette’s article explores how concussions and brain injuries have been understood from different points in time, with attention to media representation and evidence of the impact of brain injuries within collegiate football. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was formed in response to American football with a significant number of deaths from the game, many related to head injuries. Arguments are made by different researchers about the beginning of the football crisis on concussions. For example, Emily Harrison argues that the crisis that started in the late 1800s has continued to increase.
Rules and regulations were placed to regulate the game of football, but the rules never stopped football. In the early years, the number of deaths, more so deaths of prominent players or players at prominent schools that were played in prime media markets, prompted to calls to abolish football or make significant reforms to the game to make it safer (Kent 10). Over many years, there has been no rule that has been able to reduce the cases of concussions in football. Instead, the rules look forward to reducing the cases of concussion by making the game safer, for example, mandatory use of head helmets to protect them.
In conclusion, from the article, concussion is damage that is done inside the skull. The only rule that can work to reduce the damage to the brain is to alter the nature of the game. The game involves forceful contact and more contacts that increase the risk of concussion and sub-concussive hits and hence reducing the number of deaths. Instead of shifting attention to the risk and long-term damage dangers associated with brain injuries, the attention has been shifted to the investment of money, time and attention to football games.
Work Cited
Kent, Walton-Fisette. “Getting Your Bell Rung’ to CTE: The NCAA and Football Related Concussions.” The NCAA and Football Related Concussions, pp. 1–20.