USA Football to conduct injuries study

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- USA Football has commissioned a full-season research study this year to examine player health and safety in organized youth tackle football.

The independent study, to be conducted by the Datalys Center, is the first sponsored by football's national governing body in the United States, and is believed to be the first of its scope in youth football's 80-plus year history.

The research will look at any injuries sustained during the 2012 season in 10 youth football leagues across the nation. Athletic trainers will attend the leagues' practices and games to manage and document player health.

Approximately 3 million youngsters from ages 6 to 14 play organized tackle football.

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