From the Austin American Statesman
Participation in high school football has dipped 4 to 5 percent nationally, UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt told sportswriters Sunday, and it might be declining slightly in Texas because of parental concerns about player safety although he’s not positive that’s the cause. Soccer remains the fastest-growing sport in the state, he said, and lacrosse isn’t far behind. More than 158,000 high schoolers play football, but Breithaupt said the UIL adds about 20 member high schools every couple of years as a result of Texas’ burgeoning population. Breithaupt said football is “safer than it’s ever been” because of advances in equipment and coaching and reductions in contact during practice.
Participation in high school football has dipped 4 to 5 percent nationally, UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt told sportswriters Sunday, and it might be declining slightly in Texas because of parental concerns about player safety although he’s not positive that’s the cause. Soccer remains the fastest-growing sport in the state, he said, and lacrosse isn’t far behind. More than 158,000 high schoolers play football, but Breithaupt said the UIL adds about 20 member high schools every couple of years as a result of Texas’ burgeoning population. Breithaupt said football is “safer than it’s ever been” because of advances in equipment and coaching and reductions in contact during practice.
