Proper technique helps kids avoid getting hurt. You lead with your shoulder. Even though this ball carrier surprised him, Brent was turning his head away at the time of the collision. And they couldn't run very fast. So it wasn't like Lawrence Taylor crashing into Emmitt Smith.
Experts believe that as many as one million kids play age-group football in the United States.
Frankly, many more of our kids get hurt riding bikes, climbing trees, or in-line skating than they do playing football. And studies show that most youth football programs are relatively safe. Fortunately, football equipment for kids has never been better. The same companies who manufacture equipment for the colleges and pro teams make equipment for kids. We send the helmets out each year to be reconditioned, pressure tested, sanitized, and recertified.