Football Health & Safety Policy

Football leagues have implemented safety policies because of the number of serious injuries that have occurred. As the top football league in the world, the NFL has taken a leading role in the development of these policies. You will likely notice the influence of these rules every time you watch an NFL game.

Concussions

Inadequate information on concussions led to many players and coaches not realizing the seriousness of these injuries. The NFL has changed its stance on concussions, however, as players can no longer return to a game or practice after suffering a concussion. The symptoms that trainers look for when determining a concussion include confusion, memory loss, abnormal pupils, dizziness, persistent headaches or a loss of consciousness. Players cannot return to regular football activity until all of the symptoms subside and they pass a neurological exam performed by the team physician and an independent neurologist.

Hits to the Head

Players cannot deliver a hit directly to the head or neck of a defenseless player while using their helmets as a weapon. If you use your head as the primary point of contact, you will receive an immediate 15-yard penalty and possibly a fine or suspension, depending on the severity of the incident. The league put these rules in place to protect players from head and neck injuries because hits to the head can cause concussions and other serious problems.

Roughing the Passer

In 2008, star quarterback Tom Brady saw his season end during the first game of the season after Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard lunged into his knee. After the 2008 season, the NFL implemented a rule making it illegal to lunge from the ground into a quarterback in an attempt to eliminate this type of injury from the game. Roughing the passer penalties also come with an automatic 15-yard penalty, along with possible disqualification in severe cases.

Substance Abuse

NFL players cannot use illegal drugs or abuse prescription drugs or alcohol when under contract. The league believes that use of these substances can lead to injuries and personal hardship. The league will randomly test players for drug use throughout their careers and will levy fines and suspensions when a player has these substances in his system. Players who repeatedly ignore the league's drug policies can find themselves banished from the league for life.