Concussion Threat Tackled by Youth Football

The North Shore Youth Football League (NSYF) has announced the implementation of new safety guidelines to prevent young players from getting concussions.  

The league has partnered with Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., to promote a number of changes to ensure the well-being of the athletes, according to a June 24 press release. 

The new policy includes outlawing unsafe practice drills, reducing the amount of time allowed for physical contact during practices and highlighting awareness while providing education about the threat of concussions to players and their families.

"We are grateful to be part of Pop Warner who along with our own program is proactive to get out front on the issue of concussions," said Mark Rice, president of the North Shore Youth Football board. 

Rice said local park programs, including those in Winnetka and Wilmette, are invited to join the effort and share information about best practices to prevent unnecessary injuries to players. 

According to their website, NSYF is the largest youth football program on the North Shore and is sponsored by the National Football League (NFL).  

The non-profit organization's mission is to "help children to learn and continue to play the game that teaches life lessons like no other," according to the press release. 

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. provides youth football, cheer and dance programs in 42 states across the nation for children ages five to 16 years old.