Safety in College Sports

When it comes to the topic of sports in injuries I am an acquired expert having had three broken bones, four torn muscles, and two compressed disks . Though most of my injuries occurred in High School, impeding my college career, I have noticed lately that safety in sports has become somewhat of a hot button issue especially as it pertains with safety in impact sports such as Football.

With the NFL being America’s new pastime any injury that happens is magnified and scrutinized by every fan, which has lead to new policies on concussions and training camps. But the question lies “Does this same protection trickle down towards the NCAA rule and how does this affect UTSA?” As a matter of fact it means nothing, because silently the NCAA has adopted the same stringent rules in safety that the NFL has laid the guidelines for concussions.

The current NFL protocol is as stated “Unaffiliated Neuro-trauma Consultants' this season. These experts are independent of any club, are specialized in concussion treatment, and are there to observe or perform all concussion examinations.” In the NFL’s case they have hired a third party to ensure neutrality in the health of a player, while UTSA has the same practice they also have students on the sidelines to provide an extra hands as these students gain much needed experience and the students are ensured some of the best care available.

I even went as far as to inquire a student, Brian Davis, currently perusing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy here at UTSA dealing with sports injuries. “ There have been many advancements made in recent years to keep players in both the NCAA and NFL safe by revising and instituting new protocols and safety regulations.” Brian was able to confirm my suspicion and say that regulations in the NCAA and here at UTSA could even be more stringent since some students are on scholarship and are “property” of the school.

Brian went on to add “The sideline concussion assessment tool is one such protocol that is designed to measure symptoms of suspected concussion before players return to the game” Referencing the tests run on student athletes who have suffered a major blow and are suspected of having been concussed. “These simple tests alone can prevent further injury and future damages that may be sustained by returning to the field too quickly.”

Simply put the NCAA and football program here at UTSA have the same stringent rules that are backed by the NFL’s Players Association with more hands on deck with many interns available on hand to give more attention to individual players.

So all in all you really have nothing to fear, your family and friends who are involved in athletics have to the same care the professionals do.

Finally I asked Bryan one last questions “Would you being a father of two allow them to participate in impact sports when they grow up?” Bryan paused and said “Of course.” This as a fan of the game brought me great joy. Unfortunately I cannot remember the words because I have suffered three concussions but I am sure it was something sweet.

Speaking from personal experience with this school I can say their safety regulations are fairly strict. I had trouble even enrolling into the football program with my history of clumsiness and who could blame em'? So perhaps it was for the best that all those injuries lead me on a different path writing this blog for you today. No sour grapes here because knowing my style of play they probably would have had to double down on the sideline help when it came to me.

So fellow Roadrunners when it comes to the issues of sports and safety do you even ponder the idea of injuries in sports before one strikes your team? And if so do you feel content in knowing the regulations are up to professional standards? And most importantly to the parents of current and future athletes would you allow your children to play football when they come of age? Be sure to sound of in the comments down below.