I played 4 years of pee-wee and 4 years of high school. I got two concussions. One my junior year the other my senior year. I have had no lasting effects or issues.

1. The way they teach kids is different then we played. In order to coach you must attend and pass a "heads up" coaching clinic. There is a big emphasis on not leading with crown of head or helmet to helmet contact. there are less concussions then there were even 10 years ago. Also, better equipment may have a part in it.

2. Injuries occur. I don't buy the idea of stopping youth participation in sports because of fear of injury.

3. More then likely, our sons are not going to play past high school. When you get to college and pro where the biggest, strongest, most athletic play, I think that type of injury increases greatly compared to the levels where average and below average players play. Are there any studies that say a concussed 14 year old will have the same lasting effects of a concussed 30 year old?

4. The "other stuff" of football makes it worth it. No other American sports requires the same toughness, don't quit mentality paired with the commodore and brotherhood of playing organized football. There is a reason high school football players are more revered than your soccer, baseball or even basketball players.

I will not push my son to play but I am establishing what he can expect if he does play. He is in his second year of flag football and is having fun. He really wants to play tackle and I will probably let him do so next year if he shows me he is ready mentally. I am grateful for what playing organized football did for me growing up and I want my son to be able to have a similar experience.

Now if he plays and gets multiple concussions, consistent injuries or serious injuries, that would change things. But I would not hold him out just because he MAY be injured.