Chad,
We are talking about kids. We don't let them decide whether or not they should wear a helmet or not, whether they can enter into a contract or not, or even vote. They are not capable of evaluating all of the risks and consequences to their decisions. It is even questionable that we should be letting them drive or not. Head injuries are very serious and if you don't think so then go read this link:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/553967The NFHSA is cracking down and currently one reason being sited for not having coach contact outside of the season during the school year is chance of head injury. Hopefully you realize that if Jake gets his "bell rung" in HS, your school will be responsible to take him off of the mat until a doctor, not a vet, has ruled that his condition has not debilitated him. A mouthpiece could be preventative. What is the downside? Ryne had to have $6,000 worth of dental work done last year due to a wrestling injury incurred when he was 12. A $30 mouthpiece seemed REALLY cheap when I had to pay the deductible on that bill! Brain injuries and dental work are serious matters around the rest of the country.
