Guinness Six Nations
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
World Rugby is the governing board for rugby union and has decreed that elite players should wear mouth guard sensors in an effort to monitor possible concussion. The aim is for them to be an integral part of every rugby player's equipment during training and in matches across the world.
Sensor mouth guard
Image source
They may
already be in use in ice hockey, field hockey, volleyball and any other sport
in which blows to the head through collision might occur. It is sensible to
attempt to minimise head injuries. The days of getting up, shaking the head and
carrying on in a haze are gone, thankfully. More is known about the effects of
concussion, particularly the potential long-term effects, and the players are
generally heavier than those of decades past.
The 2024 Guinness
Six Nations Championship is entering its second weekend. Already, two players
have been sent off for head injury assessments (HIA) because their mouth guard sensors
have indicated trauma. Will it slow the game even more? Perhaps it will open the
way for substitute players to be given a chance to win a ‘cap’.
I'm in favour of the mouthguards, but I'm also in favour of banning contact sports where head injuries are most likely to happen. Boxing is a particular hate of mine.
ReplyDeleteRiver, you don't approve of a sport where two people physically fight each other until one is knocked out cold? How un-Australian.
DeleteWe could end up banning many sports in which head injuries are possible - cricket, horse riding for two.
DeleteThat's something interesting that I didn't know. I think it's an excellent idea but whether it will actually prevent injuries I'm not so sure.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to be 'action after the event'.
DeleteWhat River said - exactly!
ReplyDeletexx
There are always so many opinions. High diving can be dangerous, too. x x x
DeleteConcussion is very topical with Australian Rules football at the moment, with a number of restrictions coming into place. I've not heard of the mouth guard sensors though. I am not sure our footballers wear mouth guards.
ReplyDeleteSome do. I am not sure if all do.
DeleteI've only watched Australian Rules football once, I think. I couldn't get over the officials and their very precise gestures.
DeleteI have never understood the appeal of any sport where there is so much danger of permanent injury and damage.
ReplyDeleteFell running has its dangers, too, I imagine.
DeleteYep!
DeleteSafety first
ReplyDeleteThe most dangerous sport is golf. Having a heart attack on the green, miles from civilisation, is no fun. A friend of ours died in such a way.
DeleteThose mouth guard sensors sound like an excellent idea! xxx
ReplyDeleteAnything that helps medical science to progress is to be welcomed. x x x
DeleteI know women are damaged playing sport but I hope their injuries are accidental. On the other hand, many men's injuries seem intentional, caused in an outburst of testosterone anger.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some women get quite enraged on the sports pitch/field - the competitive spirit can become quite aggressive.
DeleteAs Wales have been so disappointing I'm not following any more, but what I saw last week I thought it was even rougher..
ReplyDeleteWales will come through again - each nation seems to have its spot in the sun. Ireland and France are pre-eminent at present.
DeleteI haven't been following the six nations, although it is being televised.
ReplyDeleteNot heard of the mouth guard sensors, but it seems a good idea.
All the best Jan
The only safe way to play sport is . . . not to play;-)
ReplyDelete