should football be banned at the HS level?

alright, new issue to bat around. well, not necessarily new with regards to dangers of football, but just something to get thoughts on . . .

Is football too dangerous for schools to continue to maintain teams? | Get Schooled

Geezus, America is so screwed.

Originally Posted by HelluvaMGTmjr

Geezus, America is so screwed.

what do you mean? are you saying you disagree with this line from the article:

“Flag football,” he said, “is a wonderful game.”

I found this line interesting:

But it (football) is still a game whose appeal lies in its violent nature.

Very true. I wonder how far we've really come from the blood lust of the Roman colluseum and gladiatorial combat.

Check out this story at Grantland:

CTE, the concussion crisis, and an economic look at the end of football - Grantland

They're not the only ones that think concussions and long term health issues may one day be the downfall and possible end of football (on all levels). Troy Aikman was recently interviewed about it, and he said the same thing:

Death of football? That's crazy, until you start thinking about it - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy Advice

Originally Posted by dressedcheeseside

Very true. I wonder how far we've really come from the blood lust of the Roman colluseum and gladiatorial combat.

Not far, drop all the rules, law enforcement, etc and testosterone would create all manner of havoc in a very short time. Football is one way we release that aggression in a controlled manner. Helpful for fans and participants alike . Also boxing, rugby, martial arts, ultimate fighting, and on and on..... We all have an aggressive side, we just work to control it.

Originally Posted by wuzjrbuzz

Not far, drop all the rules, law enforcement, etc and testosterone would create all manner of havoc in a very short time. Football is one way we release that aggression in a controlled manner. Helpful for fans and participants alike . Also boxing, rugby, martial arts, ultimate fighting, and on and on..... We all have an aggressive side, we just work to control it.

Humans at the most base levels are just aggressive animals. No matter what area in life you're involved with, "being aggressive" is considered a desired quality. In business, you have to "be aggressive" to reach new clients and gain the upper hand. In your personal life, you have to "be aggressive" to set yourself apart from other suitors to gain attention. In politics, you have to "be aggressive" in attacking your political opponent to get your message to the voters.

In sports, "being aggressive" is one of the coaching philosophies. No matter what the sport, you want to physically impose your will on the other guy to send a message. Football was almost banned at one time because of all the injuries and some deaths to some of the players across the nation. Everyone that plays football knows it's a dangerous sport, that's why they make you sign waivers and make sure you have insurance before you play. The risks associated with football has never changed...but the emphasis in improving safety has. You'll start seeing the football equipment business go through a revolution soon just like it did when football was almost banned decades ago to answer the injury concerns.

Originally Posted by wuzjrbuzz

Not far, drop all the rules, law enforcement, etc and testosterone would create all manner of havoc in a very short time. Football is one way we release that aggression in a controlled manner. Helpful for fans and participants alike . Also boxing, rugby, martial arts, ultimate fighting, and on and on..... We all have an aggressive side, we just work to control it.

I don't know I'd buy into that, which sounds to me awfully like rationalizing. I don't think it should be banned, but for damn sure there are a lot of HS coaches who should be banned, and as football is not a sport like, for instance, soccer, that requires very early devotion, eliminate Pop Warner. Now, there are some coaches should be banned.