Because football has obviously become America’s favorite pastime, I feel compelled to defend it from the recent attacks it has come under.

In light of all the negative publicity football has gotten about injuries, and specifically concussions that have affected former NFL players, I agree wholeheartedly these guys should be taken care of, many of whom as a young kid I idolized.

However, the sport as a whole is getting a bad rap. We don’t hear about injuries in other sports such as hockey, lacrosse, soccer, etc. Children get concussions during these activities as well as from riding their bikes and skate boarding.

Folks, the sport of football is not the same as it was 10 years ago. The rules have changed dramatically. Equipment technology is improving, and it now has a shelf life where it must be replaced after 10 years.

On the youth level, coaches are being trained properly and certified before stepping on the field. The old school ways are gone and no longer accepted. Many of you saw the show “Friday Night Tykes.” That is not youth football. Many of those coaches have been suspended from coaching, and parents and administrators in those leagues are making sure their coaches are being trained and certified properly.

We in Bloomfield, N.J., play in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League and are part of USA Football’s Heads Up Football. This year, high school coaches are being certified in Heads Up Football right alongside coaches in youth leagues.

Parents need to learn our sport, and leagues must provide information to do so. USA Football’s website has everything you need to know about equipment, concussions, proper hydration, tackling techniques and more.

We in Bloomfield will be having a Heads Up Tackling night. We want parents to come down on the field and learn with their children so they can reinforce proper techniques at home.

Being involved in football as a high school coach, youth coach and administrator for 28 years, I have seen the positive impact football has had on the lives of hundreds of young men, whether they played at the highest level or finished playing after their youth careers. For them, the discipline, teamwork and friendships they built during football season has lasted a lifetime.

This article first appeared on NorthJersey.com.

James McDaniel is the president of William Foley Football & Cheerleading in New Jersey and a coach for the Bloomfield Jr. Bengals.