OT: Good article on the benefits of football

Submitted by StephenRKass on

There is a good piece at the Chicago Tribune about the many benefits for youth of playing football. (LINK:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-x-0912-keilman-column-20120912,0,5928127.story.)

I really liked the article. It addresses the debate on the potential dangers of football which has been discussed here on several occasions. The author, a writer with the Trib whose 9 year old son is playing ball, ends up in a slightly different place. While the danger of serious injury and concussions is real, he ends up seeing significant benefits. These can be summed up in three areas:

  1. Teamwork. Unlike youth basketball and baseball, which can be dominated by a single great athlete, football demands teamwork. If everyone doesn't contribute, you'll lose. But there is a place for everyone to contribute.
  2. Confidence. Putting on pads and working with your teammates can do wonders in building confidence in a young boy.
  3. Toughness.  

Modern life can offer kids a pretty soft existence: parents who never pick up a paddle, snacks by the boxful, nonstop entertainment streaming through smartphones. It's easy to float through life untroubled by challenge.

These characteristics build resilience, one of the most important things a child can do.

What really matters, he says, is learning to overcome adversity.

On the football field, adversity comes with every snap. The game teaches kids that when they get knocked down, the only response is to get up.

If you're one of the ones debating whether or not to let your kids play football, I'd strongly encourage you to read the article. I have seen these benefits in my own son, and they outweigh the dangers, from my perspective.

swan flu

September 13th, 2012 at 8:14 AM ^

You mean you've never seen a youth football team with a single 6'0" 6th grader who runs for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns and plays linebacker every single play?

 

No, that team definitely doesn't rely on 1 good player.

 

This article makes myopic arguments without any evidence or insight.

StephenRKass

September 13th, 2012 at 9:27 AM ^

Can't speak for every league, but it seems in the Chicago area, most teams are pretty highly segregated by weight. 6th graders are generally in the 103 pound weight class. If heavier (by up to 10 pounds,) they can only play on the OL or DL, and are not allowed to advance the football, by catch, run, interception, or fumble recovery. (if any of you really want details here is a CHART - LINK:  http://csyfa.vicid.net/images/images/1/0/2012_weight_chart.pdf)

If significantly lighter, (20 pounds,) an older player can play with the age group under them. For example, my son's team, as mentioned above, is "103." They have one player a year older who weighs 20 pounds less than the rest of the team.

Because of these weight guidelines, this means that no, I have never seen a youth football team with a single 6'0" 6th grader, weighing less than 103 pounds, who runs for 400 yards and 5 TD's and plays linebacker every single play.

I will readily grant that there are still "stars" on a 6th grade team. But they don't dominate to the degree that happens in soccer, basketball, or baseball. In baseball, a lefty who can pitch and hit well can dominate. In soccerr, someone who can dribble and score can dominate. In basketball, someone who is tall but can handle the ball and shoot can dominate.

In football, you absolutely MUST have several pieces beyond one player to dominate. For a recent example, look at Michigan - Alabama. I believe that if Denard had been fortunate enough to play behind a very good OL, and if he had a couple more receivers, Michigan would have been much more competitive. As good as Denard is, he was one player, and he could not dominate that game.

I'm curious, however: did you ever play ball, or have a son or nephew who played? I myself was never fortunate to play competitive tackle football. But being around my son's practices the last three years, I can subjectively agree with the author. The evidence for the author, and for me, is seeing what happens in our sons. You have to do what is right for you or for your family. What makes this article compelling is that it was written by someone who was predisposed AGAINST his son playing, but has tangibly seen the benefits. This isn't an argument for everyone, and I know boys who have been hit once, and hang it up right away. But it does lay out a few benefits to consider.

swan flu

September 13th, 2012 at 9:38 AM ^

Yes. I've played high school football, baseball, soccer, and wrestling. (not all at once) And i played basketball up til high school.

 

While the hits in football were probably the most painful part of all the sports I played, they by no means taught me "toughness."  For me, I learned "toughness" when I was in the 3rd period of a tied wrestling match and my lungs were exploding and my shoulder was numb from getting chicken winged for a minute straight... going for a takedown knowing full well that my opponent was going to cross face the shit out of me, and finishing the move even though every muscle in my body begged me to stop.

 

Toughness isn't getting tackled and hurt.  It's your mind telling your body to shut the fuck up and deal with the pain.  And honestly, that can be achieved in most sports.

 

EDIT: and, not every area has the luxury of a large population like Chicago.  Most places are sgnificantly less populated and, thus, have to include much larger weight discrepencies in order to have 22 kids on the field at any given time. 

StephenRKass

September 13th, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^

Good points, especially about mental toughness and resilience. You can indeed learn these from many sports. I can believe that wrestling would develop this more than football. I still go with football for teamwork, but you can make arguments both ways.

The fact that you've played football, as well as the other sports. gives you more credibility.

You're also undoubtedly correct about the general population affecting teams. One minor correction: youth football teams typically have 13 - 20 players, with many guys going both ways. Everyone gets to play, but it's true, some of the weaker players are only on offense or defense.

MGoBender

September 13th, 2012 at 12:26 PM ^

I played just about every team sport.  I don't really know of any that don't emphasize teamwork.

Football is just as good as any other, slightly better in some areas, maybe slightly worse. I don't think it's really an argument worth having, other than the point that the OP's original take-aways are found in every sport.

So: you're kids should play a competitive team sport. I don't care what it is.

I do think the "toughness" is completely overrated.  "Toughness," if such a thing exists, is a mental thing. Plowing through guys while wearing pads or getting your bell rung doesn't make you any more tough than being taken out on a soccer field, getting undercut on a layup, or taking a hit in hockey or lacrosse.

IMO the only difference is that football players get an overrated sense of safety from their pads and helmets and throw their bodies around accordingly. This doesn't make someone tough. IMO.

 

MGoCombs

September 13th, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^

I think your point is well made, but I think the overall point of the article and proponents of football is that the game channels all or many of the benefits of sports into one. I played football and ran distance track in high school. I would argue that pushing myself to run as hard as I can for another 100m, then another 100m, etc. did more for my "toughness" and "perseverance" than football ever did. However, it was me against the field of runners, and mostly myself. I didn't rely on my teammates to assist when I made a mistake, or vice versa. Sure I contributed to our point total, but it just isn't the same as the many moving parts on the football team. I also wonder if I never played football, if I would have ever had that kind of personal confidence and motivation to achieve my goals in track.

The Barwis Effect

September 13th, 2012 at 9:16 AM ^

1) Pretty much any youth sport can be dominated by one or two really skilled kids, football included.   During halftime of Detroit Lions home games, they have youth football games.  Invariably, the offensive game plans consist of pitch outs to the tailbacks, who proceed to run around the end for 50+ yard TDs.

2) Football also offers an opportunity for a coach to hide the fat, clumsy kid on the offensive or defensive line where, outside of a fumble recovery, they'll NEVER touch the ball.  There's no hiding players in sports such as basketball or soccer.  The benefit of that is that every kid has an opportunity to touch the ball, and as a result, feel more involved in the game.

octobercountry

September 13th, 2012 at 11:01 AM ^

I'm going to disagree on point 2.  My son isn't fat, but he is big (got an early growth spurt) and isn't the most athletic kid in the world - he's still getting used to his size - so he ended up on the line.  Playing there line has been great for him.  He gets to contribute to every offensive play in some way, and can see the results when they run a play over him.  Not getting to touch the ball doesn't seem to bother him, he's just as proud as his running backs when his team scores. 

Playing on the line has allowed him to improve his athleticism and confidence while still being a contributer. 

Small sample size, etc. but being "hidden" on the line has been tremendous for him.....

(FWIW, I think the coach's atitude towards the linemen has a lot to do with the kids' experiences)

maizenbluenc

September 13th, 2012 at 11:58 AM ^

as well. And I think the post your are responding to is missing the body type you describe, but the point is similar.

My son tried baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. When he was up to bat, or got the ball in the other sports it was a trying experience. Most players wouldn't pass to him, parents would audibly groan, so he had to make due defending in basketball and soccer, and getting the ball when it came his way. Each of these sports he eventually decided were just not for him.

He has played tackle since 2nd grade, and runs out on the field with a confidence that he is a key part of his team, and his teammates acknowledge his contribution. He's now a center and linebacker in 8th grade. When he made the team in 7th grade about a third of the team are 7th graders) many kids were surprised (presummably based on his awkwardness), but he wasn't. He was confident that as long as he competed in tryouts, he'd make the team.

StephenRKass

September 13th, 2012 at 11:49 AM ^

She notes (wryly) that I always seem to follow the football and baseball seasons more than, say, ballet, or equestrian events, or swim team, or even soccer. Guilty as charged, at least on the first three. Having twins involved in Fall, Winter, and Spring Soccer, Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Swim Team, can be brutal. (we said no to cross country ON TOP OF football and soccer.) I'm sure in a year or two they will drop several of the sports.

But Mrs. Kass likes the kids to be active and fit and outdoors, and will support all sports, including football, much, much, much more than any electronic or couch potato games. Mrs. Kass also enjoys watching football or soccer more than the other sports.

XM - Mt 1822

September 13th, 2012 at 5:52 AM ^

is what separates it and elevates it among sports for the development of character in young people.  I played most growing up and long into adulthood, coach my children in some right now, and there is simply nothing that demands the focus and physicality that football does.  I completely appreciate the benefits of sports like running and soccer, which all of my children enjoy, but there is a difference when there is high-impact contact on the line.  Of course plenty of idiots play football too, but I coach some kids who come from the most screwed up homes you could imagine, and comparing the same caliber of kid that I'll coach through a hockey or baseball season, the character growth in a football season exceeds them all. 

All the sports are good for kids, heck even badmitton would have it's benefits, but football leds them all. 

Lionsfan

September 13th, 2012 at 5:59 AM ^

Teamwork. Unlike youth basketball and baseball, which can be dominated by a single great athlete, football demands teamwork. If everyone doesn't contribute, you'll lose. But there is a place for everyone to contribute.

I have to disagree with you here. This summer I was on a league team with Trey Burke, and he told me and my teammates that our bounce passes to him and only him were very important to helping the team win the championship. I even scored 2 points. So that pretty much blows your theory out of the water

IPFW_Wolverines

September 13th, 2012 at 8:25 AM ^

So in rowing if your teammate doesn't hold up their end you look silly.

In football if your teammate doesn't hold up their end you get faceplanted into the ground and feel pain. 

 

I'll say football has a "slight" edge over rowing in the importance of  teamwork department.

JeepinBen

September 13th, 2012 at 12:58 PM ^

Hockey fits this bill to a tee. It's also even more-so (in my opinion) an ultimate team game because you can't hide anyone on the ice, and the best kids can only play 50% of the time (or so... not counting goalies because we're awesome).

Youth hockey is non-contact, so there is very little risk of injury until they're 12-13 and start checking.

Waters Demos

September 13th, 2012 at 6:54 AM ^

Better to hold kid by anke, submerge into river.  Then hold kid by other ankle and repeat. That way you don't fuck up like Thetis did.  No concussions or spinal cord injuries either. 

QVIST

September 13th, 2012 at 7:55 AM ^

Honestly, it's good for kids to have a guy with a flat top and a windbreaker yelling at them sometimes. I gained no more worthwhile lessons than blocking for other guys who are ultimately going to get the credit. It's a weird teamwork thing that I didn't get while playing soccer. And if I missed an assignment and the quarterback got hit, I got screamed at and could only respond with "yes, sir."

Along with this, there's a toughness and discipline gained when it's 90 degrees out in full pads and players are running sprints. Basically, in the vein of what Adam Carolla has said (say what you want about the guy but he's dead on in a lot of areas), I'd rather my kid risk getting popped a few times playing football and be a well-rounded, driven person than never get a concussion and feel entitled their whole life.

I know that's painting with massively broad strokes but there is a little truth in it.

QVIST

September 13th, 2012 at 11:32 AM ^

That's not what I meant but I understand how you could have taken it that way. I am just getting at the fact that at 22, many of my peers have a terrible sense of entitlement because they were never put in a position where they were working with others toward a larger goal. And with this, I am also saying that sports that break your mind/body/attitude down and build it back up (like football, rugby and hockey [among others]) teach excellent life lessons.

taistreetsmyhero

September 13th, 2012 at 3:33 PM ^

I just disagree that "working with others toward a larger goal" is what prevents a person from becoming entitled. To me, entitlement comes from what you are taught at home.

I agree that sports teach excellent life lessons, but I can't really see how "don't be entitled" is one of them. I also don't see football being a better teacher of life lessons than most other sports...

swan flu

September 13th, 2012 at 8:10 AM ^

Neg me all you want, but the positives that article refers to are all present in a sport like soccer. In fact, this article does very very little to differentiate football from other sports except baseball and basketball.

 

1) Teamwork.  If it only took 1 good player, than Argentina and Portugal would've wont he last 2 world cups.  They didn't.  Spain and Italy did. Because that have the best team work.  And I totally disagree with the conclusion that basketball and baseball can be dominated by 1 good player.  You ever turn a double play by yourself?  How bout executing a pick and roll alone?

 

2) Confidence: Again, this is simply related to physical exertion and improvement over time.  It works with any sport.

 

3) toughness: if you define "toughness" as "allowed violence" then yes. Football is hands down the toughest sport.  But mental toughness can be learned in any sport.  Having played football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling, I would say that wrestling was the only sport that taught mental toughness as an actual skill. 

 

Overall, I will still not allow my son to play football because I value his brain safety more than I value the marginal benefites of the sport.

StephenRKass

September 13th, 2012 at 9:45 AM ^

I replied to you at more length above, but will add a few more things.

First, no need to neg you, I respect your opinion.

I'll agree that teamwork, confidence, and toughness can be gained in any sport. I would say, however, that in youth soccer, one player can dominate much more so than soccer at a high level. Regarding teamwork in particular, I have twins, one playing soccer, and the other football. The gains for the football player in learning about teamwork are much more significant than for the soccer player.

As regards confidence, you may have a point. If you work hard in any sport, and achieve some success, it builds confidence.

As regards toughness, I wouldn't underestimate the fact you might get hit and how you respond to that. Football certainly develops a lot more toughness than baseball or basketball. I can't speak for hockey or wrestling, which are outside of my base of experience.

As regards brain safety, that's the huge question every parent asks. I know that in my son's league, playing against kids who weigh approximately the same weight, with limited speed and strength, there has not been a single concussion in more than 3 years (with 2,000 - 3,000 kids playing on 10 teams of 15 - 25 players in our community, with another 10 or so teams in each of 13 other communities.) I think one concussion would be enough for me to pull my son out. And I have more misgivings once you get to open weight class ball, as in high school and college.

swan flu

September 13th, 2012 at 9:49 AM ^

1) love the civil discussion. And I would never ever criticise a parent of a football player or question anyone's parenting.  As far as I'm concerned, any organized activity is good for a kid and parental involvement is awesome, especially when so so many kids don't get any.

 

2) Just to be contrarian: perhaps the child in soccer is not learning enough about teamwork because the coach does not know enough about the game to teach it correctly to the youths.  This is, I think, the biggest reason the US is not good at soccer.  Maybe your child's coach is very good and football does, in fact, teach teamwork better than soccer.  Just a thought I had.

 

 

jg2112

September 13th, 2012 at 8:21 AM ^

Youth team sports, including football, are all great opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, camaraderie, and accountability.

It doesn't change the fact football is a violent, barbaric sport that is probably now at the height of its popularity, that the number of people playing in it will now steadily decrease due to the inherent risks of the game, and many parents will steer their kids towards soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse as alternatives.

 

mongoose0614

September 13th, 2012 at 11:07 AM ^

ticket prices have no bearing on kids playing the game.  

I said that fans are at an all time high for football.  Stadiums are not selling out because of the economy but they still watch the games.  

Popularity are participation are totally different

IPFW_Wolverines

September 13th, 2012 at 8:50 AM ^

What do you base this on other than the current media crusade that has been taking place for the past year?  Football in its infancy was looked at as violent and barbaric. People through the years tried to get it outlawed. It did not work and today football is more popular than ever. 

 

jg2112

September 13th, 2012 at 11:28 AM ^

Football today might be as popular as it ever has been, if you're only looking at the number of people who pay to watch other people play the sport.

However, compare the number of kids playing youth football to youth soccer / lacrosse / basketball across the nation.

There has been a series of articles in my local newspapers in the Twin Cities about how youth participation has decreased by as much as 20% in the past two years for a number of reasons - most prominent among them is the radical idea that having 8 and 9 year olds tackling each other with pads and helmets isn't the greatest idea for their health.

So yes, the popularity of the sport now, on TV, might be at its apex. But it's certainly not being played as much as it has been in the past, and that trend is probably not going to reverse itself.

mongoose0614

September 13th, 2012 at 8:36 AM ^

but there is no way you can compare the two especially when it comes to teamwork and especially toughness.  Soccer culture is focussed on forwards only, blame the goalie and blame the officials.  Not to mention the hideous haricuts and fashion statements

swan flu

September 13th, 2012 at 8:45 AM ^

Based on these comments, you've never played or coached the sport, nor do you have any understanding of the sport whatsoever.

 

Obviously the haircut and ref-blaming were intended to be funny, so I will not mention those.

 

But this"focusing on forwards" thing is absurd.  Forwards are probably the least important positon on the field.  If your defense and your midfield does their job correctly, anyone can score the goals.

 

And about 5% of all goals scored are the fault of the goalie.  Here is what this 5% looks like: