[NU Sports] Football Rule changes for 2012

[Mike Nolan]

> I think that it is time to acknowledge that there is a problem and that something needs to be done about it.

Things are being done, but whether that's sufficient is unclear.  Part of the problem is that the players
are bigger, stronger and faster than in the past.  The average weight of the OL at a major high school
is above what the average weight was for the OL at Northwestern when I was in college.  

It becomes a simple illustration of physics.  More mass at a higher velocity results in far greater
forces.  

That's why I favor the new rule regarding helmets that come off, players have been intentionally 
using looser straps, including tweaking the snaps so they pop off easier.  The helmet makers say that 
makes the helmets less effective.  This rule may convince the players to use those straps correctly.  
  
> If we continue to ignore the problem, football could easily go the way of boxing and become a mainly pro sport where the risks are well known and significant, and only those who have few other choices choose to participate.

If you think boxing is just a pro sport, you must not know anyone involved in amateur boxing.  

I know several former NFL players.  At least two of them would not let their kids play football in 
high school, but in both cases they had enough money set aside to be able to put their kids through 
college without needing athletic scholarships.  
--
Mike Nolan