This letter was emailed to Minnesota Monthly from Mike Halpern of the Brain
Injury Association of Minnesota in response to their Brainstorming section.
For the month of March, they featured: Is Hockey Hurting Our Kids? The
article is most likely on their www site- http://www.minnesotamonthly.com
 
 
<snip>
To the Editor:
 
Thank you for dedicating the March Brainstorm feature to hockey injuries.
 
It is true that use of protective equipment can help prevent these injuries.
However, top-notch equipment cannot replace good judgement. The best helmets
and padding in the world will not prevent the unnecessary injuries that
result from irresponsible play.
 
In a February 2000 press release, the Minnesota Medical Association said that
illegal checking and other rules violations account for 66 percent of all
hockey injuries in Minnesota. A December 1999 study in the Journal of
American Medicine showed that a referee calls a penalty after an injury only
eight to ten percent of the time. Coaches and parents promote a win-at-all-cos
ts attitude. Where is the incentive for players to play fair?
 
At the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, we hear from many families
whose lives have been radically changed by a child's brain injury. Because of
brain injury, many kids struggle with everything from school to social
relationships.
 
Too many of these injuries are preventable. But nothing will happen until
coaches, parents, and officials put safety at the top of their list of
priorities.
 
With harsh penalties for illegal play and quality safety equipment, hockey
can remain an exciting, fast paced, thoroughly enjoyable game while becoming
significantly safer.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Halpern
Public Awareness Director
Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
43 Main Street SE, Suite 135
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 378-2742
 
 
 
Vicki
Concussion Free Zone
at violentcontact.net
 
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