Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a protocol
    • ex. There is a strict protocol for entering the laboratory.
  2. head
    • ex. The coach teaches how to head the ball safely.
  3. preventable
    • ex. Many car accidents are preventable with careful driving.
  4. a header
    • ex. He scored a goal with a powerful header.
  5. cognitive
    • ex. Playing puzzles is good for cognitive development.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the union representing English soccer players, has created the first full protocol to prevent the brain disease CTE. The plan focuses on brain damage caused by repeated hits to the head, including when players head the ball during games and training. Dr. Adam White, the PFA’s Director of Brain Health, said CTE is preventable. He explained that players should head the ball less often, with less impact.

Under the new guidelines, professional players should make no more than 10 header actions per week, including in practice. Children under 12 should not head the ball at all. The protocol aims to reduce head impacts throughout a player’s career. Repeated hits, even small ones, can lead to memory problems, depression, and other cognitive difficulties over time.

Health experts say this is the first full plan to reduce everyday head hits in soccer. The protocol also includes education each year, support for research, and care for former players who may have cognitive problems linked to CTE. Dr. White said sports groups must change old traditions to protect players’ long-term health.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Protection and Care for Current and Former Players’ Health

  • Dr. White said sports groups must change old traditions to protect players’ long-term health. What do you think about what he said? Discuss.
  • The protocol includes care for former players who may have cognitive problems linked to CTE. Why do you think the PFA included care for former players in their protocol? Discuss.
  • Imagine you were an athlete. How would you protect your long-term health? Discuss.

Sports

  • In your opinion, what other sports might benefit from a protocol similar to the PFA’s (ex. basketball, boxing)? Discuss.
  • CTE is a kind of brain damage caused by repeated hits to the head. If a sport you like is dangerous, would you continue playing it? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • When playing a sport, how do you usually prepare and protect yourself from any injuries? Discuss.