Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Deforming helmets
Yesterday I wrote about Seth Russell (Baylor's quarterback) and the neck fracture he suffered in last week's game against Iowa State. The comments to that post are fascinating. I later found (on Baylorfans) this remarkable picture of the injury being inflicted.
If you look closely at the photo, you can see Seth Russell's helmet deforming as it absorbs the hit from the Iowa State player's helmet. The force is clearly intense, but the helmet seems to be doing its job-- absorbing the blow.
Of course, it apparently transferred that force to his neck, even while it averted a skull fracture and a concussion. It could be that there is no way to make this sport safe.
Except, some might argue, by making it appear less safe. In the comments yesterday, Megan Willome suggests quite reasonably that less equipment might change the nature of the game in a way that leads to more safety, pointing to rugby as an example. It's a compelling point. But would it work?
Comments:
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The same argument has been made in hockey … and particularly in college and amateur hockey were face masks have been the norm for a long time … and where the size and quality of padding in shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shin pads have made players almost bomb proof. Not like the days when I played … but that is another story.
It also strikes me there is another fascinating conversation about risk … and the risk of injury associated with contact sports. Awful to see folks get injured … particularly in a life altering or fatal way … yet there is also an argument for allowing room for such … and that extends to any sport where there is risk for harm … rock climbing, mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking, etc.
I have participated in all the above … and still paddle … and I am glad to have had the opportunity … battle scars and all.
It also strikes me there is another fascinating conversation about risk … and the risk of injury associated with contact sports. Awful to see folks get injured … particularly in a life altering or fatal way … yet there is also an argument for allowing room for such … and that extends to any sport where there is risk for harm … rock climbing, mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking, etc.
I have participated in all the above … and still paddle … and I am glad to have had the opportunity … battle scars and all.
# posted by 
: 12:48 PM
: 12:48 PM
Craig-- I remember Gump Worseley playing goalie without a helmet! But, yes, there is a role for recreational risk.
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