Should Football Boys Be Allowed to Play?

Football boys

More than a million American high school boys (and a smaller number of girls) play football. It’s one of the most popular sports in the country, and it’s also among the riskiest. Compared to other high-contact sports, boys’ football is more likely to cause injuries such as strains, sprains, and fractures, and to lead to concussions. The risks of playing football are real—and serious—but a big part of the game is mental toughness as well as physical strength and endurance. Children learn to grit their teeth and fight through bumps and bruises, a kind of persistence that may serve them well later in life.

The sport’s popularity in many communities reflects the social values of parents and coaches, as well as cultural norms that emphasize a boy’s ability to dominate others. In addition, families of boys who play football are often wealthier than those in other sports—and more able to pay for expensive gear, training, and equipment. But the issue of whether or not children should be allowed to play football has become complicated.

Some experts argue that the risk of injury and concussions is too great to allow young children to play this sport. Others point to the value of a strong work ethic, which a child can develop from learning to play football. They also note that the game teaches children to be respectful toward their opponents, and that it is a great way for them to build self-confidence.

However, other research suggests that teachers and other adults play a vital role in deciding how children use their recess time. For example, some teachers encourage boys to play football by allowing them to play only with their peers. This leads to a situation in which boys have a monopoly on the space, excluding girls and less skilful boys from their games. In addition, a previous study found that when girls were allowed to play football, it caused conflict and ostracism between them and their male classmates.