Concussions have again become a topic on the national stage as former NFL players settle a lawsuit over cognitive testing that was ‘race-normed.’ The norm-testing was done to establish baseline mental performance before, during, and after a player’s professional football career. The players sued the NFL because the tests are allegedly adjusted according to a person’s race, with presumably lower acceptable scores for minority populations. This would possibly make it harder for a minority player to qualify for extra compensation given to players who experience symptoms of dementia later in life. 

Though American football is not the only sport to experience concussions, the main causes are collision. In football, players smash their bodies and helmets against each other. The brain rattles against the skull, and the neurons stretch and this results in brain damage. 

Concussions are prevented by wearing sufficient and protective headgear and using the right techniques in contact sports. In football, soccer, and hockey, these two rules count the most. Parents and schools play a major role in preventing and lessening the severity of concussions. Parents need to monitor the symptoms that their child is experiencing. Schools often provide helmets with interior padding. The padding can lessen the impact of head to head contact. This applies to football and hockey. 

Coaches train football and hockey players to maintain the correct techniques. Billy Brenton, on the NC Varsity football team, said that a lot can be done to prevent concussions. “Players need to avoid head on head contact and head-butting each other,” said Brenton. He also mentioned the major effects of concussions. He explained that “If you go back on the field without telling any coaches about it, you can get another concussion that could kill you.” Coaches and players spend a significant amount of time learning about and practicing concussion prevention and treatment.