Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Management and Decision Sciences

College

College of Business

First Advisor

Paul Richard Martin

Abstract/Description

In recent years, more light has been shed on player safety issues when it comes to youth sports, football especially. The major emphasis of concern is on reducing concussion rates among our youth and an exposure to the potentially lifelong disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Financially however, the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of football anywhere in the world, is healthier than it has ever been. If the NFL wants to stay on the fast-track it currently enjoys, concussions and player safety are two issues that it will undoubtedly be under pressure to face. The pros and cons of enjoying a career of football are both real. The concussion risk is there, but should players enjoy a career in football, they can learn life lessons such as teamwork, sacrifice, and responsibility. However, sports participation at early ages is heavily influenced by parents and guardians, so the question remains: do we allow our children to play football, or keep them in a bubble?

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