Study Highlights Impact of Kickoff Line Changes on Football Concussions

Increasing Concerns Over Concussion Rates in Football

A recent study published in JAMA examined how altering the placement of kickoff lines could reduce the incidence of concussions in football. Concussion rates in contact sports, particularly football, have been on the rise, sparking concerns over the long-term safety of the sport. Many concussions stem from kickoff returns, where players collide at high speeds. This trend is evident not only in professional leagues but also among high school and university athletes. Significant investments have been made in research aimed at preventing and diagnosing concussions effectively.

Details of the Study and Experimental Rule

In 2016, Ivy League football teams implemented an experimental rule, moving the kickoff line from the 35-yard line to the 40-yard line and the touchback line from the 25-yard line to the 20-yard line. This adjustment was motivated by data indicating that kickoffs accounted for 21% of concussions while only representing 6% of all plays during the 2015 season. The rule sought to increase the number of kickoffs that resulted in touchbacks, thereby minimizing the chances of players advancing the ball and colliding.

The study, directed by Douglas Wiebe from the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed data from a concussion surveillance program, comparing concussion rates before (2013-2015) and after (2016-2017) the rule change. The program included data from all eight Ivy League universities, with 95% of players participating.

Study Findings on Concussion Rates

Between 2013 and 2017, the study recorded 159 concussions from 68,479 plays, resulting in an overall rate of 2.3 concussions per 1,000 plays. Prior to the rule change, the concussion rate per kickoff play stood at 10.93 per 1,000 kickoffs.

Significant Reduction in Concussion Rates

Following the introduction of the new rule, the concussion rate for kickoffs fell to 2.04 per 1,000 kickoffs, marking a decrease of 68.8%. Additionally, the rate of non-kickoff concussions decreased from 2.56 to 1.18 per 1,000 plays. The number of touchbacks increased significantly, from 17.9% to 48.0%, enhancing player safety.

Implications for Future Rules

The findings from this study prompted the NCAA to propose a new kickoff rule in 2018, allowing receiving teams to signal for a fair catch inside the 25-yard line, thus resulting in a touchback. This proposed rule aims to mitigate concussion risks similarly to the Ivy League’s experimental rule.

While the study’s findings are specific to Ivy League football, they may have broader implications for other divisions, showcasing how data-driven policy changes can effectively reduce concussion rates in contact sports. Continued analysis of concussion data resulting from policy shifts can further enhance the safety of football.

References

Wiebe DJ, D’Alonzo BA, Harris R, Putukian M, Campbell-McGovern C. Association between the experimental kickoff rule and concussion rates in Ivy League football. JAMA. 2018 Oct. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2705447 doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.14165

Ohio University. How increased awareness about concussions is driving football tech innovations. Ohio: Ohio University.

National Collegiate Athletic Association. Change to college football kickoff rule recommended. Indiana: NCAA 2018 Mar 2. Available from: https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2018-03-02/college-football-change-kickoff-rule-recommended