Doctors Advise Against Kids Sports That Risk Head Injury

A statement issued jointly by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society urges its member doctors to oppose children being involved in boxing and other sports where there is an increased risk of brain injuries to participants.

The statement appeared in the September issue of “Pediatrics.” The original policy dates back to 1997, but due to increased evidence of brain injuries sustained by children in sports that involve being struck in the head, the organizations committed to reviewing and updating the policy.

It is estimated that around 18,000 people in the United States under the age of 19 are involved in boxing. Between 1918 and 1998, records show that 659 boxers died as the result of catastrophic brain injury with a concussion being the most common occurrence.

Those who support amateur boxing for youth say that the sport has benefits for the participants including exercise, increased self-confidence and self-discipline. They also insist that boxing can provide an alternative to gang activity among youth living in potential high-crime areas.

A doctor speaking for the USA Boxing Medical Commission said that he is not suggesting that anyone should experience head trauma from any sport, but points out that all things in life involve risk and reward.

The Director of Trauma and Injury Prevention at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh counters by pointing out that while boxing does provide some benefits, kids don’t have the same capacity to make decisions based on the risks measured against the potential benefits associated with boxing.

She also points out that a basic goal of boxing is to injure the opponent which is a lesson she doesn’t feel is good for children to learn. Additionally, the director said that there are alternatives for aerobic conditioning and athletics that do not lead to brain injuries.

What do you think? Should kids be allowed to participate in sports like boxing? What about other high-contact sports like football and hockey?

Source: USA TODAY, “Pediatricians urge parents to keep kids away from boxing, head injuries,” Serena Gordon, Aug. 29, 2011.