High School Football the 'Safest It's Ever Been'?

When Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a nationally televised NFL game on January 2, 2023, the risks of football came into sharp focus.

While Hamlin has returned to the field, a troubling series of player deaths in high school football has raised concerns across the country.

Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), reported 12 deaths this season.

"Obviously it’s something to be concerned about."

Niehoff noted that the numbers are lower than in past decades. In 1968, there were 36 deaths in high school football, compared to seven this year.

Safety improvements over the years have made football "probably the safest it’s ever been," Niehoff added, crediting better coaching education, modified rules, and improved medical responses.

Athletic Trainers like Greg Garofalo, president of the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, at Hoffman Estates High School emphasize preparation.

“I think one of the things we should focus on is what the preparation was like for these schools.”

While he has dealt with serious injuries, Garofalo hasn't encountered life-threatening situations in his ten years as a trainer.

Illinois has been proactive in safeguarding athletes, mandating first aid, CPR, and AED training for all coaches.

“Illinois is one of the most educated and proactive states when it comes to keeping kids safe."

Officials stress the importance of emergency action plans, cardiac screenings, and proper technique in reducing risks.

Despite the recent tragedies, Dr. Marc Hilgers, a sports medicine physician, reaffirmed that the overall risk in football has not significantly increased:

“The deaths, though tragic, are very rare.”

Check out the full story over on the Daily Herald!