1. Caroline Murray The Ohio State University
Rule changes and their effects on concussion incidence during NFL kickoffs
Caroline Murray
The Ohio State University

2. There are, on average, 10.5 kickoffs per NFL game.12

3. Statistics
The risk of obtaining a concussion during a kickoff (9.29 per 1,000 plays) is four times the risk associated with both passing and rushing plays.3
The risk of obtaining a concussion during a kickoff is 2.5 times the risk of punt returns.3

4. Concussion: “a traumatically induced alteration in neural function”4
Signs and Symptoms:3
Alteration of awareness (dazed, “being in a fog,” loss of consciousness)
Persistent headaches
Vertigo
Amnesia
Fatigue
Cognitive dysfunction
Sensitivity to light and/or sound3 5

5. Percent of Concussions, Sustained by Kickoffs, Lasting Longer Than 1 Week
7+, %
8.9
14.3
The surge in the days lost is not necessarily related to the severity of concussive symptoms, but is more likely due to increased concussion education and screening processes. 6

6. Days Lost Long Term Problems
A concussed athlete risks losing a starting position, a spot on the team, and even playing football again.
Long Term Problems
Retired NFL players with a history of multiple concussions are five times more likely to have mild cognitive impairment,7 three times more likely to have significant memory problems,7 and are three times as likely to be depressed.8 9

7. Rule Changes 10 11
2002:
Illegal to make contact with the kicker.
2009:
Banned the use of a wedge formation during kickoffs.
2011:
Push kickoffs up from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.
2016:
Kickoffs resulting in a touchback gives the opposing team possession at the 25-yard line instead of the 20-yard line.

8. Results from the 2011 Rule Change
2011: Kickoffs are pushed up from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.
Results from the 2011 Rule Change
2010
2011
Concussion Incidence (Per Game)
0.679
0.594
The number of touchbacks tripled in the 2011 season.
The number of kickoff returns fell by 32% in the 2011 season. 10 10 12

9. Eliminating the Kickoff
Given the data regarding concussions sustained during NFL kickoffs, additional measures must be taken to maximize the players’ safety.
Moving the kickoff up to the 40-yard line would result in more touchbacks, thereby fewer returns.
Touchbacks are not guaranteed.
Changing the Kickoff
Eliminate the receiver’s choice to run the ball back toward the opposite end zone.
Eliminates the kicker’s choice to kick the ball to the inside of the 25-yard line to help his team.
Eliminating the Kickoff

10. Changing/Eliminating the Kickoff: Conflicting Points of View
Pushing kickoffs up preserves the safety of the players.
Changing the kickoff takes away from the distinctive excitement of football.
Changing/Eliminating the Kickoff: Conflicting Points of View 10

11. References
Gordon A. NFL By the Numbers. Sports on Earth. Accessed November 27, 2016.
Best Kickoff Hit Ever!!!; Accessed November 28, 2016.
Casson I, Pellman E, Viano, D. Concussion in the national football league: an overview for neurologists. Neurologic Clinics [serial online]. February 2008; 26(1):217. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich MA. Accessed November 25, 2016.
Casson I, Viano D, Powell J, Pellman E. Twelve Years of National Football League Concussion Data. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach [serial online]. November 2010; 2(6): Available from: SPORTDiscuss with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 18, 2016.
Andrews M. Rapid Motions or Impacts to the Head Can Cause the Brain to Collide with the inside Walls of the Skull, Resulting in a Concussion.; Accessed November 28, 2016.
Casson I, Viano D, Powell J, Pellman E. Concussions Involving 7 or More Days Out in the National Football League. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach [serial online]. March 2011; 3(2): Available from: SPORTDiscuss with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 18, 2016.
Guskiewicz K, Marshall S, Jordan B, et al. Association between recurrent concussion and late-life cognitive impairment in retired professional football players. Neurosurgery [serial online]. October 2005; 57(4): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 27, 2016.
Guskiewicz K, Marshall S, Cantu R, et al. Recurrent concussion and risk of depression in retired professional football players. Medicine & Science In Sports & Excerise [serial online]. June 2007; 39(6): Available from: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 27, 2016.
John Mackey: From The NFL To Dementia.; Accessed November 28, 2016.
Gary M, USA T. Kickoff returns, concussions drop in 2011 after rule changes. USA Today [serial online]. N.d.: Available from: Academic Search Complete. Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 26, 2016.
Breech J. NFL implements huge new touchback rule, admits it could backfire. CBS Sports. touchback-rule-admits-it-could-backfire/. Published March 23, Accessed November 28, 2016.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Onside Kick.; attempt/0ac185e be3-b7fb-174bdd96a404. Accessed November 28, 2016.