<snip>[log in to unmask] writes
 
<But until I see a significant change in attitudes in #s 1-5 of the list
above, I just don't see this as a major concern.
 
The NHL saw a major concern in 98 when they instituted a league wide
concussion evaluation study, necessitated by an increase in concussions and
serious injuries which caused rising insurance costs. The prevalence of
serious injuries is up in both in the professional ranks and the amateur
ranks.
 
 
>Participating in sports require an acceptance of risk. No single sport,
>even at the lowest level, is inherently safe.
 
Let's just make a blanket statement: Risk is an elementary part of life.
 
Does that mean we should accept whatever happens and label it "just part of
the game", "just part of life" cause sport and life mean risk...period.
Shouldn't we look into how the sport could be improved and make it a more
exciting game to watch? The NHL has done numerous studies as to why scoring
is down and penalties are up and how they can change the game to eliminate the
 trap.  Uncontrolled aggression that inflicts bodily harm and breaks the
rules shouldn't be an acceptable form of play in any arena.
 
When a small Minnesota boy fell through some OPEN bleachers to his death, a
new safety law was put before lawmakers. Open bleachers are extremely
dangerous, particularly for small children. My point is "life" and "sport"
should not exist in a state of STASIS. Everything evolves and requires
reassessment. HECC equipment certifications specifications are updated every
two or three years for CHANGING safety requirements.
 
>That these don't occur at a higher rate is a testament to the players and
the >officials that participate in these sports.
 
They are occurring at a higher rate. Statistics from a study by Dr. Kelley of
Chicago's Rehabilitation Institute put hockey at the top of the list, above
football for concussions and serious injury involving the spinal cord.
 
 
>Until there is a visible, unilateral change in attitude towards violent
>play by those involved in the play of the game -- players, coaches,
>officials -- then the sport will continue to be played as it is today, and
>continue to be enjoyed by millions
 
There is movement towards eliminating illegal play and violent behavior by
players, the league and certainly the media. There is a growing number of
hockey enthusiasts who don't go to either professional or college hockey
games anymore because of "cheap tactics" illegal or injurious behavior.
According to what I've heard and read, national coverage in the form of a
major TV contract still eludes the NHL. The reason is hockey is considered by
major networks as inappropriate viewing for children. I have also heard that
the "game" (hockey) is not understood by the most people and is difficult to
follow on TV. These reasons alone should cause the NHL to reassess how the
game is played.
 
 
< There is nothing that anyone can do to rid any sport of this, without
having drastic <effect on how the sport is actually played.
 
The GREATS of hockey like Lemieux and Gretsky DISAGREE with you; they've come
out publicly condemning the sport for its violence, advocating changes in the
game and player behavior. Violence is pervasive today on and off the ice. I
actually feel that a large percentage of the population has become
desensitized to it or complacent.
 
There are lots of things that can be done. The NHL does change rules all the
time; they change how the game is played with the idea of winning over a
larger viewing audience. Let's keep in mind that the playing field hasn't
changed that much, but the way the game is played has. Also, there weren't
200 plus pound players wheeling around at 40 miles plus per, or pucks
traveling at speeds of over 100 miles an hour. That's why the NHL took the
steel belted radials out of all NHL pucks. It's evolved into a faster more
skilled game. The NHL is looking to Europe to fill rosters; that's a change
to rid itself of Canadian goon style. So, they are trying to improve the game
and their image.
 
Yet, in contradiction, they continue to market with a pugilistic angle. See
ESPN's new NHL ad on TV. Ok, so they're covering all their bases. (-:
 
 
Vicki
 
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