There has been a great deal of controversy about the ethics of risky sports participation, particularly for children. Michigan Technological University reports it has become clear that that longterm effects from repeated head injuries may takes years after the injury to surface. L. Syd Johnson, who studies sport associated concussion, and the ethical implications of engaging in risky sports participation for kids, says sports players should be respected as people, not simply as replaceable beings which are used to entertain us. One of the causes of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is believed to be sub-concussive impacts, which is the type of ordinary hits that athletes routinely take during the course of play. Brain Injury Research Institute reports CTE is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain of people who have suffered from repeated concussions along with traumatic brain injuries. This is a condition of brain damage which lasts over many years or decades and which is due to traumatic impacts to the cranium. Symptoms of CTE may be debilitating and include loss of memory, impaired judgment, problems controlling impulsive or erratic behavior, behavioral disturbances which include aggression and depression, and a gradual development of dementia. Clearly there should be aggressive efforts made to protect sports players from head injuries.
