I had two major rules for my twin boys in high school:  no motorcycles, no football.  It seemed absolutely senseless and a gross shirking of my parental responsibility to allow them participation in activities that courted permanent danger (TBI, paralysis, death) for the sake of sport.  They enjoyed all the benefits mentioned in the article through band, debate, science, track & field and other club activities, and I've never for a second regretted my decision.  Yeah, they were ticked, but it was my responsibility to shield them from obvious and serious risk.  

I do not understand parents and school districts that allow young kids (some in grammar school) to participate in this game.  I do not understand why there isn't more discussion in the news & social media about this particular negligence.  There are other sports that don't carry the same risks of permanent damage.