Why the NFL’s S2 Cognition Test is Crucial for Player Safety
Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Millions of people love to watch it, and thousands aspire to play it professionally. However, playing football at the professional level comes with inherent risks, including head injuries and brain damage. The National Football League (NFL) has been taking steps to minimize these risks, and one such step is the S2 Cognition Test.
What is the S2 Cognition Test?
The S2 Cognition Test is a computerized test that assesses a player’s cognitive function, including their memory and reaction time. It is conducted before the start of every football season and is mandatory for all NFL players. The test measures a player’s baseline cognitive function, which is then used as a reference point if they sustain a head injury during the season.
How Does the S2 Cognition Test Help with Player Safety?
The S2 Cognition Test is crucial for player safety as it helps detect head injuries and brain damage. If a player sustains a head injury during the season, they are required to take the test again. If there is a significant decline in their cognitive function, it is an indicator of a brain injury or concussion. The player is then advised not to play until they have fully recovered.
The S2 Cognition Test is not only important in detecting head injuries, but it also helps in preventing them. With the baseline cognitive function, players and coaches can identify when a player is not performing at their optimal level, and it may be due to a head injury or other reasons. In such cases, the player can be advised to take a break, and medical attention can be sought if necessary.
Case Studies
The importance of the S2 Cognition Test can be highlighted with various cases, including that of Washington Redskins player Trent Williams. In 2017, Williams suffered a knee injury that kept him out for six games. During this time, he also failed the S2 Cognition Test, which indicated a head injury. It was discovered that Williams had been playing with an undetected head injury, and he was advised to take a break until he had fully recovered.
Another case is that of Pittsburgh Steelers player Ryan Shazier. Shazier suffered a spinal injury during a game in 2017, but it was the S2 Cognition Test that gave the first indication of his injury. He failed the test, indicating a brain injury, and was later diagnosed with a spinal injury that ended his season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the S2 Cognition Test is crucial for player safety in the NFL. It helps in detecting head injuries and brain damage, preventing them, and ensuring that players do not return to the field until they have fully recovered. The NFL’s commitment to player safety is commendable, and it is essential to continue taking such steps to make football a safer sport for all.
