Monday 1 November 2010

Sport, Head Trauma, Crash Test Dummies and Life

Australians love their football. Whether it be AFL, rugby [ the one played in heaven], rugby league [the working man's game] or as a late starter - soccer, oh sorry.........football.

But there is a new concept that seems to be achieving a somewhat higher profile. Are our kids who play these football codes being exposed to trauma that might rebound on them and be leading them to an early grave?

That premise is explored in the recent article on the ABC web site about head trauma in footballers. It is real.

As an ex rugby player [of both types] at semi professional level, I sure have experienced a few big hits. Even dislocated my neck playing. But I also find the gratutious heavy handed pushing and bumping, heads included - off the ball - that is common in AFL, as a bit farcical. In rugby you mostly do not have much happening unless involved with the ball. As for soccer, well maybe not heads, but there sure are plenty of knee and leg injuries to make up for less head trauma.

Would you let your children play rugby or AFL after reading this? -
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/40626.html

Does it make you think??

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