High School Football Safety Concerns: Tragedies Demand Action

Recent Tragedies in High School Football

The recent deaths of at least five high school football players and a middle schooler during or soon after gridiron activities are renewing calls for greater safety precautions as the new school year begins. Three players died during practice, one during a preseason workout, and another after being tackled and hitting his head during a game. The alarming incidents have raised significant concerns among parents, school officials, and medical professionals.

Calls for Enhanced Guidelines

Regena Adams, whose son Semaj Wilkins, 14, tragically died during practice on August 13 in Coffee County, Alabama, emphasized the need for more thorough guidelines and research aimed at better protecting players. She shared, “It still seems like a nightmare to me. I’m at peace that I know he’s gone, but it still seems unreal.”

• Last year, the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research recorded three football-related deaths among high school players nationwide.
• During the 2021-22 school year, there were 11 reported deaths.
• Parents and experts are increasingly advocating for precautionary measures to ensure player safety.

The Importance of Risk Management

Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations, acknowledged, “We intend to hit. It's hard contact, but it's part of the game.” She highlighted the incredible energy surrounding the sport while recognizing that risks are an inherent part of high school football.