25 Once-Normal Practices That Experts Warn About Today

There was a time when “getting your bell rung” sounded like just another part of the game. In football, hockey, boxing, school athletics, and playground sports, a hard hit might be followed by a little rest, a splash of water, and encouragement to get back out there. Ignoring concussions in sports was often wrapped in language about toughness, team spirit, and not letting others down. Coaches, parents, and players did not always understand that a brain injury could be serious even without obvious, dramatic signs.