Common Sense, I had to laugh as I saw your screen name. You might consider changing it with the number of ad hominem attacks and leaps of logic you make with Durus’ and my posts.
Also, your point about better equipment, training, and treatment brings in the law of unintended consequences. There is a fundamental flaw in the changes in football that players, organizations and fans need to be aware of. The increased safety equipment makes it more likely there will be some long-term injuries.
I should also say that with high school sports the trend is not toward fewer injuries, but more. Years ago, teenagers worked more dangerous jobs, were less supervised, and had less equipment. Yet today, the number of teens I see with fractures and having joint surgeries is going up.
Now before you make another leap of logic and say I am advocating a nanny state solution, notice I am only describing the reality, not proposing a solution. I believe in informed consent and following through on contracts and insurance commitments. That is a conservative view. I am not advocating anything beyond that.
Is that because of football, or because more youth are eschewing football in favor of "extreme" sports, like skateboarding?
Exactly how does better equipment result in increasing injuries? Cite your source for this assertion.
As far as increased injuries... anecdotal evidence at best. At my son's high school the injuries are much lower than in previous years, despite my son breaking his leg last year... as a center. The school also has started taking baseline brain scans starting with the freshman as extra precaution.
To be blunt... I believe the injuries and the need for making the "big hit" started with Jack Tatum of the Raiders. Shortly thereafter, every DB and LB was looking to make the biggest hit to get on the "highlight reel"; the problem is most of those were (and are) on defenseless players coming across the middle or on peel back blocks. That, and the fact that the kids are bigger and faster today making the game much more physical... though I'm guessing most of the players of the 1960's era would argue differently.