L’Odysee High School will not be penalized for forfeiting last week’s game against the Tantramar Titans, due to the number of injured players. Nine were pulled from the game by haltime, which forced the forfeit.
Chris Strugnell wants to see changes made, after the game last Friday night made headlines across the country.
He has a son who plays football on a high school team, and he also coached minor football for several years.
Strugnell says the NBIAA, which is the governing body that oversees high school football, needs to take a closer look at implementing Safe Contact programs, to ensure the future of the sport, and the safety of the players, “With all we know about concussions, brain disease, and CTE, changes need to be considered. The brain is not fully developed until the age of 21. There is no place in the game of football anymore for players to be hitting other players with the crown of their helmets, especially to the opposing players head.”
“I would hope there is going to be a change and a ripple effect from this. It is a sport, people are out there to have fun, and they shouldn’t be turning away from playing the game. I will admit, I am fearful for my son’s safety, especially when it comes to head injuries, and what we know about concussions. It is a real concern. To be completely honest, if nothing changes with the dirty play, I am going to be hesitant to let my son play in certain games, going forward, “Strugnell adds.
He also feels there is a need for the officials to be held accountable. The necessary calls need to be made on the field, in an effort to help protect these kids.
Football New Brunswick oversees minor football in the province, and they follow protocols put in place by Football Canada. They include a Safe Contact program, that all Coaches must take. Over 250 coaches have been trained in the program so far. Football NB also created the “Head Out Of The Game” policy, which results in a penalty for any player who makes the head or neck of another player the first point of contact.
High School football does not fall under Football New Brunswick, and therefore, has not adopted all of the same rules of play. Many Coaches and School Districts have adopted their own policies though, when it comes to players who are injured on the field.
Francophone South is just one of them, that has developed a policy based on guidelines from the New Brunswick Traume Program.