Proposals for improving sport safety are hot topics these days. Injuries are too prevalent at all levels, from the Little Leagues to the big leagues. For example, there are numerous proposals for reducing the frequency of concussions in football, ranging from eliminating the lineman’s three-point stance to changes in equipment and padding. The frequency of overuse injuries in many youth sport athletes has led to proposed changes in practice schedules, game rules, and training techniques.
Almost invariably, when sport safety is considered, discussion focuses on equipment, training, technique, and enforcement. I applaud these efforts. The insights of medical professionals, biomechanics experts, exercise physiologists, and numerous others need to be combined with the first-hand experience of coaches and athletes to arrive at workable policies and procedures that will reduce the dangers associated with sport.
Unfortunately, another dimension of sport safety too often escapes discussion. In addition to the kinds of considerations already mentioned, we need to consider the culture of sports, particularly those contact sports where injuries arise from physical contact, either directly or with a sport implement. Invariably, “toughness” is a part of sport. Both mental and physical toughness are desired attributes. Yet we need to be cautious about how these are defined, understood, and encouraged. To persevere through difficulty is admirable; to play with dangerous injuries is foolishness. To face an intimidator with unflinching resolve is good; to threaten or inflict bodily harm is corrupt.
Sports are not wars and competition is not a battle. But sometimes these metaphors can creep into sports and distort their fundamental purpose, and do so in a way that undermines safety. When opponents become enemies, their safety is no longer a high priority. When contests become wars, we may feel pressured to take dangerous health risks in order to help our team win. But when everyone is committed to the pursuit of excellence, the culture can support a rugged yet safe contest. That should be our goal.