Post by beaupre716 on May 24, 2010 9:23:39 GMT -5
My take on this subject will probably not go over well in some people's minds, but here goes. A head injury is an extremely serious thing. If you don't think so listen to Mohamed Ali. Any coach that would allow a child athlete to continue competing with multiple head injuries should be arrested for child abuse. The problem with the sport of motocross is that up coming child athletes are often coached by their parents, who are often not qualified or trained to see the warning signs that are associated with serious brain trauma. My long time soccer coach and mentor, Len Oliver (see USA Soccer Hall of Fame), often told me that succeeding in a sport was miniscule when compared with succeeding in life. My best advice to all parents who want to coach their children is to take some classes in both coaching and First Aid.
That was my rant on the kid side, now for the adults. People often ask me why I don't ride more. The answer is always easy and simple; I have to pay for all this stuff. It does hurt and you will pay. Our older brains, due to previous abuse, will not recover as fast or fully from the effects of trauma. Listen to the people around you, if you are unwilling to listen to the advice of doctors. To paraphrase, if every one around you is wrong look into your own soul. If folks around you are saying that you are different after your last crash, you probably are. Put down the bike and step away. Your few moment of fun and adrenaline are not worth your jobs, family, and a lifetime of memories.
Lastly, I want to say that I in no way discourage anyone from following their passions and dreams as far as any sport goes, I would be the last one to do that. My purpose on this rant is to get folks to recognize that the “that won't happen to me" rule does not apply. This sport, like all others that involve extreme physical contact, will result in extreme injury. Know when you are hurt and rest all parts, including the brain, as needed. If you don't know how long you should rest an injury, learn.
Brain trauma is not like a fracture that does not set right. You don't walk with a funny limp, you die.
I think you're making very valid points. I think it's more ignorance than carelessness that causes parents to push their kids into competing too soon after a head injury, but I hope that the new information will change that.