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kylecazar • today at 6:25 PM • 1 reply • view on HN

CTE is not just about concussions but any amount of damage consistently over time that accrues.

Current line of scrimmage situation is the worst case scenario. Linemen are a couple feet away from each other and they start from a crouched position. They explode up and hit the opposing line, very often with their helmet/crown, down after down, 60-70 times a game. You could not plan a better way to get CTE.

1) Neutral zone at the line, they start 2 yards away from each other.

2) Have to start from standing position, and/or:

3) First contact has to be arms

It would be a bit of an adjustment like it was for dynamic kickoff. You're never going to stop all head trauma in a contact sport but the mechanics of the line positions are basically designed for it.


Replies

bena • today at 7:01 PM

What about the ball? Would the offense effectively lose a yard every play?

Or would the center be at the ball and do a short long snap to the backfield?

What would be considered a "standing position"? I guess both feet on the ground, can't use hands or arms to brace against the ground or self.

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