If the face masks are removed, then players will me more afraid to use their heads when tackling. They will be more likely to protect their head with their hands when possible as well.
Not all concussions can't be "prevented" by any helmet. When the head comes to a sudden stop, the brain keeps on moving. It's impossible to stop that from happening100% of the time.
Maybe scientists should look at how sheep and goats seems to be able to withstand extreme impact force and evade brain injury. They have a huge "boss" in front of their brain but that still doesn't stop their brain from slamming into the front of the skull when they butt heads. What is it that's different and can we duplicate that ability?
Mother nature designs animals differently and humans were never meant to run at each other and slam their heads together. Evolution didn't design us that way. Maybe our intelligence can solve that problem by not slamming each other in the head! NAHHHH....we love our modern day gladiators way too much for that to ever happen.
I'M with Peter on this one. Noone, of course, wants young children to get a concussion playing a sport. But if we keep making laws forcing certain behaviors how are the children ever to learn to think for themselves? Education, as always, is the real key. Of course that's too hard, so let's make more laws.
Laws, laws, every where a law, breakin' up the scenery, breakin' my mind.
Think to the tune of Signs, signs by The Five Man Electrical Band
The common thread in these reports recognizes two deficiencies: lack of study pertaining to sport-related brain injury and lack of independent standard for helmet design. The inertia impeding resolve of these issues would seem to be the cultural dilemma, the conflict between 'I want my kid safe' and 'I want my kid tough.'
Played high level, competitive rugby for 10 years and never sustained any head injuries. In my whole time playing I only witnessed 4 people who got their bell rung (a.k.a. concussion). I'd have to lean towards Peter's line of thinking.
When you are playing rugby you are taught to tackle differently, but it is also a different game where not every inch of progress counts. Often times in rugby you tackle with a wrap of the arms and let the player's momentum carry them forward as they go down--unless you are at the try line :). In football, every inch counts--on every down, so players are taught to stand their opponent up and drive them back. The tackles definitely are lead more with the head/helmet.
I'm sure when football players wore leather helmets with no face mask the game was played differently. I always said you only hit as hard as your body lets you. Extra padding makes you feel invincible. I also play ice hockey and there is no doubt that better equipment has lead to more violent hits and therefore more concussions.
The other variable (not applicable to youth sports, except maybe H.S. level) is the strength training and size of the athletes involved. The speeds at which hits occur now contribute more to the injuries than anything else. Its the sudden stop, or extreme G-force that leads to the brain "sloshing" in the skull. It is not always head contact.
It is definitely a challenge to protect the athletes at all levels (youth to pro) and something worth educating and focusing on.
No, The answer is less safe
No,
The answer is less safe helmets.
If the face masks are removed, then players will me more afraid to use their heads when tackling. They will be more likely to protect their head with their hands when possible as well.
Not all concussions can't be
Not all concussions can't be "prevented" by any helmet. When the head comes to a sudden stop, the brain keeps on moving. It's impossible to stop that from happening100% of the time.
Maybe scientists should look at how sheep and goats seems to be able to withstand extreme impact force and evade brain injury. They have a huge "boss" in front of their brain but that still doesn't stop their brain from slamming into the front of the skull when they butt heads. What is it that's different and can we duplicate that ability?
Mother nature designs animals differently and humans were never meant to run at each other and slam their heads together. Evolution didn't design us that way. Maybe our intelligence can solve that problem by not slamming each other in the head! NAHHHH....we love our modern day gladiators way too much for that to ever happen.
I'M with Peter on this one.
I'M with Peter on this one. Noone, of course, wants young children to get a concussion playing a sport. But if we keep making laws forcing certain behaviors how are the children ever to learn to think for themselves? Education, as always, is the real key. Of course that's too hard, so let's make more laws.
Laws, laws, every where a law, breakin' up the scenery, breakin' my mind.
Think to the tune of Signs, signs by The Five Man Electrical Band
Rugby players don't wear
Rugby players don't wear helmets so you might be onto something.
The common thread in these
The common thread in these reports recognizes two deficiencies: lack of study pertaining to sport-related brain injury and lack of independent standard for helmet design. The inertia impeding resolve of these issues would seem to be the cultural dilemma, the conflict between 'I want my kid safe' and 'I want my kid tough.'
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/sports/football/21helmets.html?pagewa…
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june12/footballhits_04-02.html
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/22/prsd1122.htm
http://www.wakehealth.edu/Health-Central/A-Neurosurgeon-Tackles-Brain-I…
I'm actually really surprised
I'm actually really surprised I wasn't vilified for my argument above.
Rugby players also, suffer
Rugby players also, suffer major injuries. To a rugby player scars and broken bones is part of the game. Hard hits are necessary.
Played high level,
Played high level, competitive rugby for 10 years and never sustained any head injuries. In my whole time playing I only witnessed 4 people who got their bell rung (a.k.a. concussion). I'd have to lean towards Peter's line of thinking.
When you are playing rugby you are taught to tackle differently, but it is also a different game where not every inch of progress counts. Often times in rugby you tackle with a wrap of the arms and let the player's momentum carry them forward as they go down--unless you are at the try line :). In football, every inch counts--on every down, so players are taught to stand their opponent up and drive them back. The tackles definitely are lead more with the head/helmet.
I'm sure when football players wore leather helmets with no face mask the game was played differently. I always said you only hit as hard as your body lets you. Extra padding makes you feel invincible. I also play ice hockey and there is no doubt that better equipment has lead to more violent hits and therefore more concussions.
The other variable (not applicable to youth sports, except maybe H.S. level) is the strength training and size of the athletes involved. The speeds at which hits occur now contribute more to the injuries than anything else. Its the sudden stop, or extreme G-force that leads to the brain "sloshing" in the skull. It is not always head contact.
It is definitely a challenge to protect the athletes at all levels (youth to pro) and something worth educating and focusing on.