The Olympics are in contrast to every other sporting competitors on the planet. For 16 days, over 300 occasions representing 35 sports activities and each nation on the planet compete to take house their prized medals, and I’ve regarded ahead to watching the Summer season Olympics each 4 years since way back to I can keep in mind. However there’s at all times been one thing lacking. One of many United States hottest sports activities, and a high 10 sport all through the world, it seems as if deal with and flag soccer may very well be Olympic sports activities by the 12 months 2024, however situation obstacles nonetheless stay for that to change into a actuality. First we’ll stroll by means of some the explanation why the highway to getting American Soccer included into the Olympics has not been a straightforward journey, adopted by why we consider flag soccer to be the logical answer and selection as a future Olympic sport.
WHY ISN’T AMERICAN FOOTBALL ALREADY AN OLYMPIC SPORT?
In keeping with an article by NFL.com, the largest logistical issues going through the game of American Soccer being included within the Olympics are similar to that of Rugby. With the massive numbers of individuals on every workforce, the “gender equality” codecs the place each women and men take part in each sport, and the compressed 3 week schedule that will be powerful with a extra bodily sport like soccer and rugby. Moreover for American Soccer, the barrier to entry is excessive resulting from it is price to equip all gamers with pads and equipment, and therefor has additionally been gradual to undertake in lots of international international locations, particularly of the poorer selection 스포츠.
Realizing all this, it is arduous to see how both sport can be an excellent match for the Summer season Olympics. Rugby is loads like Soccer in that little or no is required to play the game when it comes to gear and apply at it is base degree, and has a a lot bigger worldwide following. This amongst different causes has not too long ago allowed Rugby to be cleared for the Olympics beginning in 2016 by altering the normal model to a much less conventional “sevens” format which is quicker paced with much less folks, which might assist carve an identical path for American Soccer, or flag soccer extra particularly.
TACKLE SAFETY CONCERNS
Even increasingly highschool, faculty and professional groups are beginning to cut back the variety of contact practices, nonetheless sporting the likes of soft-padded headgear and shoulder pads for added safety. However what if we might restrict the contact gamers see earlier than highschool and center college whereas additionally addressing a few of the issues for the game associated to it being totally accepted into the Olympics?There’s a variety of discuss not too long ago revolving across the security of deal with soccer, and never simply within the NFL the place concussions are a significant concern. Beginning way back to the youth soccer degree, current proof has surfaced supporting the concept even in need of a concussion, repeated head impacts and collision can manifest in related mind accidents later in life for kids examined between the ages of 8-13. Many researchers are suggesting kids should not be taking part in soccer in any respect, suggesting that kids’ heads are “a bigger a part of their physique, and their necks aren’t as sturdy as adults’ necks. So kids could also be at a better threat of head and mind accidents than adults.”