If you were a parent would you let your child play contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, etc.?

[pete6032]

Or would you say no way because of the risk of long-term injury/head trauma?

 

[NuclearNed]

Practically everything I did as a child carried some risk of long term injury... so yes, I would let my kid play contact sports. Life without some level of risk would be insanely dull.

 

[sdifox]

Why take unnecessary risks, plenty of sports without head injuries.

 

[shortylickens]

not a parent, never will be.
BUT, knowing what we do know about head injuries I would have to say "no".
Its just not worth it. Not the injury sports. Yes, kids today absolutely need physical activity and they do need to learn teamwork and all that stuff, but there's enough activities out there which aren't going to risk brains and skulls and they can also be fun.
So yeah, in fantasy land where I have a wife and kid, I would not let them do the high impact sports, but I would demand they do some kind of activity that keeps their heart going and keeps them from getting lazy and fat. Also anything that teaches teamwork and social skills is a good idea. Now more than ever.

 

[nakedfrog]

Fortunately my kids weren't interested. They both did marching band (of their own volition).

 

[sandorski]

Yes.

 

[lxskllr]

If it was something they *really* wanted to do, I'd let them, but I'd encourage them to find other activities.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I'd discourage them but if they really want to then I'd let them. I'd make sure they understand the risk they are taking though, and long term effects if they do get hurt. In general most sports are not going to be allowing full blown contact anyway for kids. Like in school they tend to be rather strict. Once you get into an actual league it changes though but even then, a deliberate big hit that can injure someone can result in penalty at minimum or even suspension. It's not like before. Of course any physical activity does come with some risks either way. There's a balance between bubbling up the kids or letting them have fun.

 

[Commodus]

Some sports, like rugby and hockey. Believe it or not, rugby is relatively safe since it doesn't usually involve freight train-like collisions and generally discourages hard hits. That and my wife is South African, so it would be wrong to deny the opportunity off-hand.

Football? Nope. That's head trauma waiting to happen. Likewise with boxing or sparring-based martial arts.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

NO. I have dain bramage from a combo of combat sports, HS football, motorcycles, and skateboarding. Due to my experiences, I did not even allow my son to spar with contact to the head until he was 16. By that point, none of his sparring partners could hit him clean because he has been training so long.

 

[MrSquished]

Definitely not football at this point. I want to play football in high school, But my parents wouldn't sign the waiver. I was bad then but considering the last 30 years how much information about brain trauma from football, I would do the same.

 

[scorpmatt]

No kids here and won't be having any at this point or later in my life... that being said, I would let them try it out. would I discuss with them my concerns? of course, I'd treat my child like a human being. I'd raise my child with the same mentality that I have now, I'll try anything twice because maybe the first time I was in the wrong state of mind (or something like that).

 

[olds]

Our kids are too old. But we make sure our grandson who plays has a top of the line helmet.
Now, if I could only get him to not shy away from contact...

 

[biostud]

I don't know if I will disallow it, but I definitely wouldn't actively encourage it.

 

[Stiff Clamp]

Fun Fact: if you shake them vigorously, as a baby, it toughens them up. No worries.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Fun Fact: if you shake them vigorously, as a baby, it toughens them up. No worries.

The trick is to start slow and work up to more vigorous shaking, so they build up tolerance. They'll be the toughest kid in their class!

 

[Captante]

Football would be a hard no, ice-hockey or rugby would be concerning but I might consider either.

 

[biostud]

With three girls (I might be gender stereotyping) and living in Denmark it would most likely be horseback riding, that would cause most concern in regard to serious injuries.

 

[Captante]

When horses were the primary means of getting around, falling/being thrown off of one was a fairly common way to expire.

 

[A///]

With three girls (I might be gender stereotyping) and living in Denmark it would most likely be horseback riding, that would cause most concern in regard to serious injuries.

dressage is always nice.

 

[manly]

Some sports, like rugby and hockey. Believe it or not, rugby is relatively safe since it doesn't usually involve freight train-like collisions and generally discourages hard hits. That and my wife is South African, so it would be wrong to deny the opportunity off-hand.

Football? Nope. That's head trauma waiting to happen. Likewise with boxing or sparring-based martial arts.

"Relatively safe."

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