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New NFL rule aimed at avoiding concussions could change the game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NFL passed a new rule that says any player who initiates contact with his helmet can be ejected after an in-game video review decided in New York.

(PHOTO: NFL)

The rule, which was made to avoid concussions, could change the game.

[Helmet hits will lead to ejections under new NFL rule]

The new policy comes after the league said concussions among its athletes went up by 16 percent last year.

Former Northwestern University coach Jimmy Wallace spent more than 40 years coaching football.

He travels the country, working as an expert trainer with USA Football.

The organization “designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport,” according to its website.

The retired coach is trying to make sure coaches and student-athletes know the right way to make plays, including to keep helmet-to-helmet contact out of the game.

(PHOTO: NFL)

“You want to be sure we're teaching them fundamentals of blocking and tackling when they’re going to carry over to the game,” Wallace said.

Dr. Christian Turner from Novant Health treats student-athletes who get concussions.

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Turner said the NFL's new rule could be the right call if it's enforced.

“With the position, they're trying to keep players out of, hopefully, we can see a decrease in some of the spinal injuries, neck injuries,” Turner said.

The new helmet rule is one part of a comprehensive action plan. The league also banned 10 helmet models based on lab tests.

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