The Business of Sports: Making Football Safer

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As the NFL and its fans react to a player's retirement after just one season because of health concerns, an Indiana organization continues its push to make the game safer. On a special edition of Inside INdiana Business Television, USA Football Chief Executive Officer Scott Hallenback says partnerships with organizations including the NCAA and IHSAA allow it to use Indiana as an “incubator.” The centerpiece of USA Football's safety efforts is the “Heads Up Football” program. The initiative focuses on safer tackling, and is growing to include blocking techniques this year.

A study last year from Datalys suggests kids in leagues that implement Heads Up Football experienced 76 percent fewer injuries that players in other leagues.

In addition to working with youth leagues around the United States, USA Football also has major partnerships with ESPN, the National Football League and all five “power” college football conferences.

You can find more information about the Datalys study by clicking here.

Source: USA Football