Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
I heard it in Rugby too, mouthguards to prevent your teeth gnashing together/concussing you.
I had two concussions in two years playing rugby and quit the sport.
|
Mouth guards, if properly fitted can protect teeth but there is no evidence that they prevent concussions. What does prevent concussions is respect for other participants in the sport, rule changes to prevent high speed collisions targeting the head, and a change in the culture of sport to realize the severity of concussions.
The focus should not only be on professionals though, look at amateur athletics and children. I know that we had the stop patches on the backs of jerseys when I was growing up, I think that we need something similar needs to be done for concussions, including increased awareness among coaches and referees for concussions and their potential. If a player gets hit and is groggy, I think that the referee in minor hockey should have the ability to send that player to the dressing room for the rest of the game. Put concussion awareness training into the education package for referees.