National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement:​ head-down contact and spearing in tackle football

Heck, Jonathan F.; Clarke, Kenneth S.; Peterson, Thomas R.; Torg, Joseph S.; Weis, Michael P.

Affiliations

¹Richard Stockton College, Pomona, NJ

²SLE Worldwide, Inc, Fort Wayne, IN (Retired)

³University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Retired)

⁴Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

⁵MCRC Physical Therapy, West Orange, NJ

Abstract and keywords

Objective: To present recommendations that decrease the risk of cervical spine fractures and dislocations in football players.

Background: Axial loading of the cervical spine resulting from head-down contact is the primary cause of spinal cord injuries. Keeping the head up and initiating contact with the shoulder or chest decreases the risk of these injuries. The 1976 rule changes resulted in a dramatic decrease in catastrophic cervical spine injuries. However, the helmet-contact rules are rarely enforced and head-down contact still occurs frequently. Our recommendations are directed toward decreasing the incidence of head-down contact.

Recommendations: Educate players, coaches, and officials that unintentional and intentional head-down contact can result in catastrophic injuries. Increase the time tacklers, ball carriers, and blockers spend practicing correct contact techniques. Improve the enforcement and understanding of the existing helmet-contact penalties.

Keywords: catastrophic injuries, cervical spine, head injuries, injury prevention, neck injuries, paralysis, quadriplegia

Links

PubMed: 15085218

PubMedCentral: PMC385269

WoS: 000220753200016

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Cited By (6)

Year	Entry
2015	Nightingale RW, Myers BS, Yoganandan N. Neck injury biomechanics. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW, eds. Accidental Injury: Biomechanics and Prevention. 3rd ed. New York: Springer; 2015:259-308.
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2005	Viano DC, Pellman EJ. Concussion in professional football: biomechanics of the striking player: part 8. Neurosurgery. February 2005;56(2):266-278.
2015	Lievers WB, Adamic PF. Incidence and severity of foot and ankle injuries in men’s collegiate American football. Orthop J Sports Med. 2015;3(5):2325967115581593.
2020	Fanton M. Effect of Cervical Spine and Helmet Properties on Traumatic Brain Injury [PhD thesis]. Stanford University; July 2020.
2011	Nelson TS. Towards a Neck Injury Prevention Helmet for Head-First Impacts: A Mechanical Investigation [PhD thesis]. Vancouver, BC: University of British Columbia; December 2011.