Are concussions a concern for Ellet High School?

During a football game, there are bound to be multiple hits, tackles, and layouts. The crowd cheers, and the referees blow their whistle after the action.  Sure, these plays make for one exciting game, but what is happening to the player's health? 

According to Dr. Omalu's op-ed in the New York Times, repetitive hits to the head in contact sports can put athletes at a high risk of permanent brain damage. His research about concussion's severe effects even led to the movie "Concussion."

Reporters in a Computer Assisted Reporting class at Kent State University wanted to know high school officials' reactions to the op-ed article. So they reached out to Ohio high school

Kent State University reporters reach out to Ohio high school principals and school board presidents

principals and school board presidents. They requested a copy of the school's athletic concussion policy, and forms that students and parents have to sign before participating in football. They also asked them to read Dr. Omalu's op-ed article and do a brief interview about it. The main question asked is as follows: Do you agree or disagree with Dr. Omalu's recommendation that high school students should not play football?

Ellet High School

One of those schools included Ellet High School in Akron, Ohio. The principal, Michelle Marquess-Kearns, refused to interview, while Bruce Alexander, Akron Public School's school board president, agreed to it. 

When asked if he agreed with Omalu's recommendation, Mr. Alexander said, "I do, but I don’t. I think there’s some other factors that need to be talked about." 

He went on to say the parents have to talk with their kids, and make the decisions for themselves. “The parents need to discuss with their kids the pros, cons, and the potential  factors and the safety procedures or ways to avoid sustaining injury if they even allow them

Bruce Alexander, School Board President of Akron Public Schools 

to play," Alexander stated.

According to Alexander, Ellet High School has a collaboration with local hospitals, and there is professional medical staff available during football games. "I know we have people from Children's Hospital in the physical therapy department, Children's Medical Center, my doctor volunteers, some other volunteer doctors I'm sure that volunteer because they have a kid on the team or have some type of connection with the team."


Alexander stated that he witnessed very few major injuries, including concussions, where the medical staff had to be used. However, he recommends that athletic departments have some type of contact with a medical association. They need to take preemptive measures in case a player receives a serious concussion.

The school board members are aware of how serious concussions are, according to Alexander. They discussed it at a school board meeting over a year ago. The school's legal counsel also gave advice on concussions. "They basically stated that coaches in the Ohio high school organization guidelines that they have to be trained in areas and to understand with dealing with football and teaching kids how to avoid those injuries to their head," Alexander said. 

Although he agreed and disagreed with Dr. Omalu's op-ed, Alexander's statements reflected his concern in taking concussions seriously. "The coaches are aware to teach the kids about the safety and how to avoid getting head injuries, which I think is the most important thing they teach the kids, and teach them how to protect themselves, so they do not sustain those type of injuries to their head." 

Altogether, 12 students in the class got in touch with a school principal and school board president. Only six principals and three school board presidents agreed to take part in an interview. That is alarming because this story is about the health of high school football players, and many district officials do not want to talk about it. 

Computer Assisted Reporting class at Kent State University

Concussions are a serious head injury, and if not treated correctly it can lead to brain damage. That includes chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is compared to dementia. 

As mentioned previously, Kent State student reporters reached out to school board presidents and principals in Ohio to get their reaction to Dr. Omalu's op-ed. In the end, only a few principals and school board presidents agreed to discuss their opinion on the article.


What I learned  

Nicole Ciccarelli
nciccare@kent.edu

This assignment has taught me that not everyone is easy to get in contact with. It took me several calls before I got in contact with both the school board president and principal. Once I got in contact with them, it was difficult to stay in contact and make sure they understood what I needed for the project.

Not everyone wants to take part in an interview which is understandable, but sometimes it makes it difficult to formulate a story. I learned that a reporter has to be assertive and know exactly what to say to people to get the needed information. A reporter has to stay on top of getting in touch with the people they want to interview, and if they refuse, ask them if that is what they want to be reported.

It is also important to know what to ask during an interview. Have a list of questions, and if they say something interesting, ask them about it. Do not be afraid to ask them other questions other than the ones prepared. 

Also, do not let people step on you. It can be challenging dealing with a difficult person, so stay focused, and do not let them waiver you. 

From the results of this assignment, many principals and board presidents did not want to interview. We only needed a brief skype or phone interview. It showed that they either do not have time, or do not care about the topic. 

Concussions pose a serious health concern for high school football players, and Dr.Omalu's research proved why the topic should be taken more seriously. It is disappointing that not more school officials were willing to discuss the subject. 
 


Video: Mr. Alexander answers whether he agrees or disagrees with Omalu's op-ed