MHSAA is trying to keep the game safe by limiting collision practices

ALPENA, Mich. — For some people, football maybe an exciting time of the year. For others, they think of injuries like getting a concussion.

The Brain Injury Research Institute has found 20 percent of all high school football players sustain brain injuries. This could possibly lead athletes to throw in the towel. That’s why the Michigan High School Athletic Association has decided to limit collision practices.

After the first week of the regular season, teams may conduct no more than 3o minutes of collision practice a week. This is a possible solution to keep the players safe.

Head Coaches like Eric Mitchell and Tommy Atkinson can’t have injuries happen to their teams and possibly lose the game that people love.

“We cannot afford injuries,” said Mitchell. A lot of teams in the area are in the same boat. We got to do everything we can as coaches to keep them healthy all year long.”

Overall, this is a move that MHSAA is trying to be more proactive about.

“Changing the way we practice in football and trying to make it a safer game, I’m in favor of it,” said Atkinson. Anything to make it so my children have the chance to play football.”