THAI TOGETHER: Whose Limit is it Anyways?

BRIANA THAI
Staff Writer

According to LA Times, on Sept. 27, quarterback Shane Morris of University of Michigan (UM) looked disoriented after a hard hit, but he continued to play. He took a break but was back in play without the approval of the team’s doctors. The following Monday, UM officials released that he distressed a “probable mild concussion” along with a sprained ankle. Athletic Director Dave Brandon stated that medical members did not see the hit and there was a misunderstanding on the field. Morris was put back into the game without having been cleared. Morris did not clearly set his limits and he could have been seriously injured.

Coaches should know their athletes’ limitations and respect their decisions. It is critical that both athletes and coaches know when athletes are benefiting or hurting themselves. Players should know and stand up for their rights when they feel too devitalized to play. Knowing an athlete’s limitations is important because overworking an athlete can lead to fatal injuries, such as head trauma and even death. It is also crucial that coaches know that their main responsibility is to ensure safety both on and off the field.

Coaches should pay close attention to their athletes when entering tough situations and figure out what they can and cannot do, in terms of stamina. Safety is always the priority; and overworking an athlete is unsafe, physically and mentally. Athletes should push themselves to their limit, but know when to stop.