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It seems that repetitive head injuries are really something that has long term consequences. The issue is VERY complex and has a lot of factors. One thing to lo

It seems that repetitive head injuries are really something that has long term consequences. The issue is VERY complex and has a lot of factors. One thing to look at is the complex data on other sports[0]. It turns out that men's rugby and women's ice hockey are also big magnets, along with soccer/futbol. It seems to be that just about any hit to the head can be damaging, regardless of equipment. The 'violence' of American football may be a correlated factor, but not causative. But we're just beginning to understand these things. More data is needed, unfortunately. It seems that these athletes really are suffering. [0] https://completeconcussions.com/2018/12/05/concussion-rates-what-sport-most-concussions/ https://completeconcussions.com/2018/12/05/concussion-rates-... P.S. I've also struggled with these issues. I've written on HN before about them and won't bore here. Suffice to say, though I've had deep struggles with concussions, and in the end I'd say I wish I'd not done those sports as a result, it is a hard question to answer. If I could be back out on that pitch once more with my mates and be guaranteed to not get another head injury, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I loved that time and really do miss it everyday, even decades later, I love rugby. I wasn't an easy thing to quit, and it is still not easy to stay away from. The concussion epidemic is not going to be easy to solve.

mathgeek 8y ago
> More data is needed, unfortunately. I’ve slowly been convinced that more data isn’t needed before we act on this. The only reason there’s a call for more data is that these sports are very popular and drive revenue. We have enough data to say “yes, these sports pose a serious risk to the health of those playing them.” That doesn’t mean to have to stop playing them, but it does mean we can’t throw our hands up and claim we just don’t know why these kids keep getting brain injuries.
- jeffchien 8y ago
  Agreed. I can't help but think that some calls for more data is just intentionally delaying doing the right thing. Will any amount of data ever satisfy diehard fans and those who financially benefit from college football? Great talk about this very point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWaPXzTDEDw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWaPXzTDEDw
- jrandm 8y ago
  I think most programs admit and accept the physical risks of physical sports. Brain trauma is less understood than something like a knee injury, but that's exactly why these studies need to continue to gather data. We can continue to improve safety during play, detection of damage, and treatment after injury. Anecdotally, most youth leagues I see for contact sports have changed their rules to better protect the players. I would be against any legislation doing the same for adults who are informed of the risk. What other actions would you propose?

mathgeek 8y ago

> More data is needed, unfortunately. I’ve slowly been convinced that more data isn’t needed before we act on this. The only reason there’s a call for more data is that these sports are very popular and drive revenue. We have enough data to say “yes, these sports pose a serious risk to the health of those playing them.” That doesn’t mean to have to stop playing them, but it does mean we can’t throw our hands up and claim we just don’t know why these kids keep getting brain injuries.

jeffchien 8y ago
Agreed. I can't help but think that some calls for more data is just intentionally delaying doing the right thing. Will any amount of data ever satisfy diehard fans and those who financially benefit from college football? Great talk about this very point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWaPXzTDEDw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWaPXzTDEDw
jrandm 8y ago
I think most programs admit and accept the physical risks of physical sports. Brain trauma is less understood than something like a knee injury, but that's exactly why these studies need to continue to gather data. We can continue to improve safety during play, detection of damage, and treatment after injury. Anecdotally, most youth leagues I see for contact sports have changed their rules to better protect the players. I would be against any legislation doing the same for adults who are informed of the risk. What other actions would you propose?