This resource stems from a question submitted to the Ask PCA blog. Responses come from our experts including PCA Trainers, who lead live group workshops for coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes.

"I had to ride in the ambulance with my teenage son, who was injured playing football by a blind-side cheap shot far from the action on an interception return. He's OK now, and I've calmed down, but I want to talk to the opposing coach about his player's behavior to keep this from happening to other families. How do you suggest I approach this situation?"

PCA Response by Mike Farley, PCA Trainer-Milwaukee
Recently, I watched the Green Bay Packers' Jermichael Finley take a tremendous hit that temporarily paralyzed him and now brings his football season, if not career, into jeopardy. Football is tough game. Many say that it is a violent sport. I prefer to call it a ""collision"" sport. Violence implies an aggression that is determined to hurt. Collision is simply recognizing that you hit and get hit in the context of the game.

From what you describe, the hit was not a collision, but a violent act. That's a problem that any coach would be wise to correct. Immediately.

It's every parent's nightmare to see their child incapacitated from playing a game they love. Made worse by the actions of another on an illegal play. You have every right to address the situation around your son's injuries. The first step, you've already taken, which is to hold back initially and to let calmer heads, and time, solidify your thinking: assessing the "truth" of the situation.

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