A new rule would cut down on the injuries to attackmen and midfielders, who are vulnerable while shooting.
We live in a society that is bloodthirsty. Coaches demand the vicious hit, and parents applaud it. Certainly, I have no problem with good, clean hits because they're a part of the game.
I don't know whether Finch was hurt Monday as the result of a late hit. But a lot of the ones that were delivered from the same team afterward were cheap, intentional and downright blatant. Worse yet, the officials, who should have taken more control of the game, called few.
But I don't put a lot of the blame on the officials.
I put a lot of the blame on coaches. I've coached before, and still coach. I know what it's like to preach intensity, fear and intimidation, especially around the crease.
But there is no reason, no excuse, to tolerate or allow players to hit others late or allow them to hurt others. Coaches should control players, and not vice versa. Usually, when a coach gets out of control, his players quickly follow.
Some of these concussions are the results of mean-spirited and unsportsmanlike hits. And they should be unacceptable to all.
Parents can play a role in reducing the number of concussions. Nibbelink recommends parents become involved in choosing the right mouthguards and helmets. There are now lacrosse helmets that are padded like football helmets.
The interior pads can be inflated with air so they fit snugly around the head to absorb shock. They are much improved over some others that basically offer a simple layer of hard foam inside.
Those helmets will protect the exterior of the head, but they don't absorb the shock of a hit. The football-type helmets are slightly heavier, but definitely safer.
With players dropping daily because of concussions, they are a wise investment for parents and schools.
"My guess is that because lacrosse is growing at such a tremendous rate, we will probably see an increase in concussion rates just because of the numbers," said Nibbelink. "However, the concussion rate could also be increased because the sport has become increasingly physical and violent. If the sport doesn't control the violent aspect, more and more concussions will continue."
mike.preston@baltsun.com
