HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!
“At the high school level of football, we would say that the risk of injury is less today than at any point in the history of the sport.”
-Karissa Niehoff, NFHS Executive Director
The risk of injury in high school football is the lowest it’s ever been; that’s the message the National Federation of High Schools would like parents and fans to know as the football season gets underway. NFHS executive director Karissa Niehoff posted an article earlier this year talking about the focus on football in the fall and the safety of the players. According to the NFHS, there are more than one million boys playing football. Niehoff addresses the risk associated with playing the sport. With regard to safety, Niehoff says, “At the high school level of football, we would say that the risk of injury is less today than at any point in the history of the sport.”
Here is a link to the entire article
https://www.nfhs.org/articles/injury-risk-lowest-in-history-of-high-school-football/
“Over 6,500 students participate in high school football in New Mexico, making it the most popular boys sport in the state,” according to New Mexico Activities Association executive director Sally Marquez. With the high school football season getting underway this weekend, several New Mexico coaches voiced their thoughts on the safety of their athletes and what the game means to them.
“In a rural state like ours, HS Football is the lifeline of almost every community, has been and always will be.” -Kevin Werth, Piedra Vista
“I had the privilege to coach my own son in football and I am a firm believer of the character and life skills the game of football teaches our young men today far outweigh the risks of injuries. Yes, injuries will take place, but there are setbacks in life that we have to learn to overcome and get back on our feet. With new concussion protocols and the education of our football coaches go through to watch over our kids, they are safer than they ever have been playing football.” -Kief Johnson, Ruidoso
“Football in New Mexico has a unique dynamic of its own and I am proud to say that I have been a small part of New Mexico Football for the last 40 years. New Mexico Football displays Pride, Discipline, Love for the Game, Small Town Loyalty and Big City Traditions. Every Football player in New Mexico earns what he gets, when it comes to the game, and no one can take that away from Football players, coaches and fans in this great state. ‘The Boys of Fall’ live in New Mexico! Proud Coach in New Mexico!” -Gary C. Bradley, Carlsbad
“With the commitment to concussion safety and protocol, mandatory coaches training, and rules that reduce opportunities for injury, New Mexico is taking the game of football to another level.” -Louie Baisa, NMHSCA President
High School football teams in New Mexico kickoff the season this weekend.
