Ethical Issues 

The ethical issues in sport concussions are normative and involve concepts like benevolence, helping those in need, especially youth; honesty, not hiding the truth about concussions, paternalism, assisting athletes to do what is in their best interest; harm-avoidance; and finally social benefit, regarding the utility of risky contact sports. A recent story showed a deceased football player aged 25, Michael Keck with CTE, a disease of the brain associated with people in their 60’s and 70’s. This player began American football at age 6 with his first concussion at age eight. In college football, he experienced symptoms including dizziness and blurry vision. By the time of his death, he had a total of 10 confirmed concussions. The physical activity system and guidelines failed this young man resulting in his life ending when it could have been prevented with further education and care for our young athletes today. A survey of state officials implementing concussion protocols similar to the Zackery Lystedt Law showed the overwhelming problem in the efficacy of the laws was parental cooperation.