Will High Schools get out of the Sporting Business?

[Froggy Richards]

I read this comment on the Star Tribune website about the Player who is suing the MSHSL regarding the transfer rule:

ericgus55Dec 17, 135:31 pm


Maybe this kid's situation is legitimate, but this rule was instituted for a reason. Up until a few years back, students could (and some did) transfer schools mid-year so they could play one sport at one school and a second sport at another school. Some families took advantage of the old rules, so they instituted new ones, and now some other families complain. Sooner or later, once the concussion-related lawsuits start succeeding (and they will), schools will get out of the athletics business altogether.

I have to agree with this poster that the concussion related lawsuits will start to succeed, it's only a matter of time. I think it's a real possibility that the NFL as we know it could cease to exist in the next 10-15 years. Is the NHL next in line?

My question is, could this filter down to the High School level? Most of the NFL lawsuits center around the fact that they covered up information about concussions. As we all know, the coverup is always worse than the crime. Would a simple waiver signed by the parents solve this at the High School level? Or is it possible that in our lifetimes High Schools decide that it's not worth it anymore and decide to quit spending the time and money on sports?

[HShockeywatcher]

My question is, could this filter down to the High School level? Most of the NFL lawsuits center around the fact that they covered up information about concussions. As we all know, the coverup is always worse than the crime. Would a simple waiver signed by the parents solve this at the High School level? Or is it possible that in our lifetimes High Schools decide that it's not worth it anymore and decide to quit spending the time and money on sports?

Athletic training at the high school level is not what it used to be. The "quality" of football has suffered greatly because of it in less than the last 5 years. Less students are playing the games, injured players are out longer and many injured players are leaving football all together. In a perfect world, that would lead to teaching safer tackling and coaches emphasize that in whatever way they can.

In sports like basketball and football, it means playing the game differently and looking at the game differently. The conversation that (I'm assuming) adults have had on this forum about hard hits and injuries in recent years is amazing.

To answer your underlying question, I know many who have grown up overseas and I hope we improve sports so they can stay in school.
There are a lot of dynamics at play, but I think overall we're going in the right direction.

[Roy01]

It is an interesting thought. I am not sure where anyone would be able to prove that the high school league was accountable for a player not being protected though, or that their current/subsequent injury resulted directly due to the leagues practice. Now, if there were malpractice by an athletic trainer, that is a bit more provable.

At the beginning of every season (high school or league play) I always had to sign a waiver stating I will not sue if injury comes about. I feel hockey is a contact sport and you know the risk that comes with playing the game. If one is concerned about their well being to that extent, then do not participate in the sport.

The other side of it too though is that enough people are "sue-happy" and look for an excuse for an easy check.

If lawsuits continue to succeed at the professional level, I do believe we will see a trickle-down effect to the MSHSL being sued for concussions. I don't believe it would ever result in the sport going away, but it may eventually lead to no contact if numerous lawsuits were to succeed.