Is quitting an option? The power of brotherhood among non-scholarship college football players in risk decision-making

Abstract

Football upholds traditional masculine ideals of toughness, aggression, and dominance despite the risk of serious injury. This study uses a qualitative framework to understand why non-scholarship National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III college football players risk their health through athletics. Interviews revealed that players go through two stages of risk reassessment wherein the player strongly weighs the costs and benefits of playing versus quitting. Once football players continue past the second stage, virtually nothing will prevent them from continuing their involvement with the team. They have determined that the costs of playing a high-contact sport with a high risk of injury are worth the friendships, forming a “Brotherhood” among the teammates. This paper discusses the implications for athletes, coaches, administrators, and health professionals.