Michael Rovetto

2 Articles

Helmet tests like this one being conducted at the Southern Impact Research Center near Knoxville, Tennessee are guiding new standards for youth football equipment. Engineers at the center use a pneumatic ram for high-speed impacts to the helmet at a range of angles and locations. (Photo courtesy of National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment)

As health concerns rise, safety efforts focus on improving helmets, detecting head injury

The risk of head injury in youth tackle football can never be eliminated. But around the country, changes in rules and standards are being introduced to try to reduce those risks.

Malik Oliver, 9, plays quarterback in a flag football game. Muhammad Oliver, a former NFL defensive back for the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Washington Football Team, said in an interview that he would not allow his son to play tackle football until age 12. (Photo courtesy of Oliver Family)

Youth Tackle Football

Some ex-NFL players are cautious about starting their children in tackle football

Domonique Foxworth played his first organized tackle football game at 10 years old. Now Foxworth has a son who turns 11 on Super Bowl Sunday who wants to play tackle. Foxworth won’t allow it. His son is playing flag football instead.