American football has seen a remarkable development in recent years, not only from the point of view of fans but also from that of players and officials. Safety is the most important topic talked about in all sports, but it is a must in football, especially with the way it is played, with all the tackling and hitting. It's really important not only that the players are safe, but that the referees keep it safe. Both players and referees play a key role in making the game of football safe and interesting to watch for fans and a great experience for players too. As stated in the Denver Post, players are expected to play by the rules...coaches are expected to teach...and referees are expected to emphasize the rules. The game of football in the NFL is safer than ever thanks to the rules, penalties and equipment. First and foremost, enforced rules are a great way to make the game safe for players. There are rules like not being allowed to face certain ways. For example, if you tackle someone from behind by pulling them, it is said to be an illegal tackle. It is also said to be illegal for someone to wear another's face mask during a tackle. There are many other rules that are applied in the game. Another is the rule that says head-to-head is not allowed. Basically you can't tackle someone by putting your helmet in contact with the opposing player. This rule makes it very safe because it reduces the number of injuries that occur to the head and neck. The head is the fundamental part of the human body. When someone hits another player with their helmet on the head, the risk of concussion is reduced and this can result in serious and severe physical failure, including being… middle of paper… Works Cited” 2013 Health & player safety." 2013 Player Health and Safety Report. National Football League, n.d. Web. November 10, 2013. (Magazine) "Equipment Safety in Football." Personal interview. November 13, 201. (Interview)Kremer, Andrea. “Game Health: Brain Injuries Beyond Concussions 0.” NFL.com. Np, March 7, 2013. Web. November 10, 2013. (Video online) Legwold, Jeff. “In the Name of Player Safety, NFL Begins Enforcing Illegal Hitting Rules.” The Denver Post. Np, Oct. 21, 2010. Web. Nov. 10, 2013. (Newspaper Article) Mon, Mary K. "For Equipment Managers, Taking Inventory and Ensuring Safety Are Keys to Success | Youth Soccer | US Soccer | Organ of national football government." US soccer. Np, Oct. 15, 2012. Web. Nov. 10, 2013. (Online article) “NFL Sunday.” NFL Sunday. CBS. Woodland, California, November 10, 2013. Television. Transcription. (TV program)