2024-03-27 03:01:00
The NFL, governing body of American footballthat sport similar to rugby that is played in the United States, rmade modifications to its regulations to protect players from the much-feared brain injuriesperhaps the main criticism that this discipline receives – also popularized by the 2015 film, Concussionwith Will Smith as the protagonist – and that seriously affects the health of athletes, especially when they stop playing.
According to what was reported by the league itself, The number of concussions for the 2023 season was 219. An atrocity. And in that sense, the NFL approved this Tuesday changes in the ‘kickoff’ of the matches with the objectives of reducing the rate of head blows.
With the new rule, no one other than the kicker and two returners from the opposing team will be able to move until the ball hits the ground or one of the two receivers I caught it, restriction that will reduce the speed of collision between the rest of the players.
Previously, defensive players would line up at the 35-yard line and set out to stop the opponent as soon as the kicker punted from that same yard. This caused a greater number of high-speed collisions that caused a high number of concussions and also encouraged teams to avoid kick returns, something the NFL hopes to change.
The change It was approved with 28 votes in favor and three against (49ers, Raiders and Packers) of the owners of the NFL teams at the league’s annual meeting that will conclude this Wednesday and where the so-called “hip-drop” tackle was also unanimously banned.
The hip-drop is a tackle in which the defender dives behind the attackergrabs him by the legs and knocks him down, causing the opponent’s knees or ankles to become trapped by the weight of the hip (hip, in English) of the tackler. According to NFL reports from last season, Injuries due to this tackle increased between 20 and 25 times compared to 2022.
The ban on this tackle was carried out despite the refusal of the players themselves, through their Association (NFLPA). “The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to ban the hip-drop. While the NFLPA remains committed to improving our game for health and safety, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, coaches, officials and, especially, to the fans”, was his striking stance.