Projects
Understanding the Risks of Tackling in Youth Football
2016-2019
Prepared For
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Using innovative mouth guard sensor technology, Mathematica is conducting a rigorous evaluation over 27 months to measure head impacts in more than 40 youth football teams.
We will examine how head impacts and reported concussion rates vary by tackling technique, player age, level of play, and contact (tackle) versus noncontact (flag football) programs. We will also examine an alternative tackling technique known as shoulder-style tackling to assess its potential for reducing head impacts and concussions.
Project activities will include:
- Gathering data on the cumulative number of head impacts, the force of the impacts, and the reported concussions incurred by young football players over the course of a football season
- Assessing how head impacts and reported concussions vary in tackle and flag football programs and for players of different skill levels and ages
- Investigating the effect of shoulder-style tackling on head impacts that occur over the course of a football season and whether the effect differs by player age and skill level
- Analyzing coaches’ perceptions of the risks and benefits of alternative rules, practices, policies, and player or coaching behaviors on the potential for player injury
- Examining the experiences of coaches who implement shoulder-style tackling
The findings from this study will provide insights into potential strategies for reducing the risks of tackling in youth football.
Evidence & Insights From This Project
Blog Post
Five Findings to Watch in 2018
Throughout 2017, Mathematica researchers uncovered evidence that can drive policy for the common good. Here are five studies we want to be sure you didn’t miss. The results of these studies—along with many others—are poised to inform key decisions in 2018 and beyond. We hope you’ll stay tuned.
Learn MoreRelated Staff
Solutions
Progress is best made together.
Partner with us at the intersection of data science, social science, and technology to progress from inquiry to insight to impact. Our evidence-informed solutions empower you to see clearly and act quickly.
More like this from Mathematica
Featured Project
Examining the Use of Head Impact Sensors in School Sports
See Clearly. Act Quickly.
Our experts can help you make smart, sustainable decisions. From local to global challenges in health, human services, and international development, we’re here to improve public well-being and make progress together.
Work With Us