The Boston University study is scary. I’m glad I don’t have children who have played football, but I worry for my nephews.There have been better helmets available for decades, but coaches won’t use them. Perhaps now we can get some change.
Harley said, “…Dial back the false protection and you will have to dial up skill and strategy….”*I wish you and others had a simlar opinion about assult rifles, 30-bullet clips, etc.
Harley, I do agree with your first comment: it IS the “protective gear” that has INCREASED the size of players, and level of aggression in “American” football. Compare the rather minor head and other protective gear in Lacrosse, for example, where they carry WEAPONS!
Yes there are injuries in rugby and soccer, but nothing compared to “our” version of football, it IS the “gear”.
Don’t know too much about Football, do you? There’s also the “face mask” penalty, which now covers from the face mask all the way to the collar bone..I’m not up with college or High School sports equipment, but for the pro players, they have made it safer for most of the body. It costs the franchise major $ if the player they contracted with is either dead or paralyzed due to a preventable injury.
“Why would I want to handy cap myself when 3 home invaders storm my house?”Seriously, why do you live in a part of the world where that is a possibility? Please don’t tell me that you have children or plan to raise them in such a nasty place.
Having said that, I really think you have an interesting point regarding over-armouring your sports soldiers.One form of rugby is played completely nude, I think in Scotland. Injuries do not seem to be a factor.
No sport is “safe”. My cousin’s 17 year old had to sit a dark room with no mental stimulation for a month to prevent permant brain damage and the endless migranes he got when a soccor ball kicked straight for his face cuncussed him this summer. .Sadest part in my estimation was that the ref ruled that since he broght his arms up to protect his face it was a foul, but at least he didn’t have a broken nose too. . .
1. I’m a Centrist , not a liberal..2. You missed my point entirely. The penalties (Face Mask, Unnecessary Roughness and the like) are there to make sure that the players do not suffer a major injury that would result in either paralysis or death. There used to be a time when football players did not have any pads or helmets at all!.So before you spout your mouth off, Ms. I-think-I-know-more-than-thou, do your homework and research the facts! (I don’t have to go online to do this; since Dad used to be a pro player for a year, I just ask him.)
Motivemagus about 11 years ago
The Boston University study is scary. I’m glad I don’t have children who have played football, but I worry for my nephews.There have been better helmets available for decades, but coaches won’t use them. Perhaps now we can get some change.
Marty Z about 11 years ago
Harley said, “…Dial back the false protection and you will have to dial up skill and strategy….”*I wish you and others had a simlar opinion about assult rifles, 30-bullet clips, etc.
Marty Z about 11 years ago
Harley, I wonder how a psychologist would interpret your intense response to my “false protection” comment.
Dtroutma about 11 years ago
Harley, I do agree with your first comment: it IS the “protective gear” that has INCREASED the size of players, and level of aggression in “American” football. Compare the rather minor head and other protective gear in Lacrosse, for example, where they carry WEAPONS!
Yes there are injuries in rugby and soccer, but nothing compared to “our” version of football, it IS the “gear”.
Rickapolis about 11 years ago
The 49ers arranged the blackout, we all know that.
Ketira about 11 years ago
Don’t know too much about Football, do you? There’s also the “face mask” penalty, which now covers from the face mask all the way to the collar bone..I’m not up with college or High School sports equipment, but for the pro players, they have made it safer for most of the body. It costs the franchise major $ if the player they contracted with is either dead or paralyzed due to a preventable injury.
Ottodesu about 11 years ago
“Why would I want to handy cap myself when 3 home invaders storm my house?”Seriously, why do you live in a part of the world where that is a possibility? Please don’t tell me that you have children or plan to raise them in such a nasty place.
Ottodesu about 11 years ago
Having said that, I really think you have an interesting point regarding over-armouring your sports soldiers.One form of rugby is played completely nude, I think in Scotland. Injuries do not seem to be a factor.
water_moon about 11 years ago
No sport is “safe”. My cousin’s 17 year old had to sit a dark room with no mental stimulation for a month to prevent permant brain damage and the endless migranes he got when a soccor ball kicked straight for his face cuncussed him this summer. .Sadest part in my estimation was that the ref ruled that since he broght his arms up to protect his face it was a foul, but at least he didn’t have a broken nose too. . .
Ketira about 11 years ago
1. I’m a Centrist , not a liberal..2. You missed my point entirely. The penalties (Face Mask, Unnecessary Roughness and the like) are there to make sure that the players do not suffer a major injury that would result in either paralysis or death. There used to be a time when football players did not have any pads or helmets at all!.So before you spout your mouth off, Ms. I-think-I-know-more-than-thou, do your homework and research the facts! (I don’t have to go online to do this; since Dad used to be a pro player for a year, I just ask him.)