Probably not. It’s been shown that concussions are caused by the brain rattling around inside the skull, which is all about changes in momentum of the skull, which occurs with or without helmets. In fact there’s an argument that helmets would actually increase the danger, as players would gain a false sense of security if they believe they’re protected when they’re not.
Edit: I know of a guy who plays bass in a metal band. Lots of headbanging as part of his playing (though his head didn’t make contact with anything, so a helmet wouldn’t have made a difference) and he has CTE issues.
What’s the actual rule? But more importantly, what’s etiquette?
Collingwood fans are owed years of dodgy umpiring and dozens of heart-breaking losses so I’m more than happy to see them get the rough end of the stick.
I think that refers to a player handing the ball to a team mate during play instead of hand balling.
Rule 18.13d refers to time wasting which is what the ump would rely on in this case.
The ump would also have discretion about what constitutes time wasting.
Reported that there was memo to clubs when they cracked down on time wasting 2 yrs ago. From news item on AFL app:
“The memo to clubs included the reference: "Time-wasting - we have also seen some recent examples where players have not given the ball straight back to the umpire when a stoppage is called.
“Players are reminded that if they are in possession of the ball and the umpire calls for a ball up to either leave the ball on the ground, or give the ball directly to the umpire (as opposed to another player).””
On ABC radio they were talking about this (this arvo - Malthouse, Rama etc) and said it was OK to leave the ball on the ground by dropping or placing it at the location where the stoppage was called. The memo wording is a bit ambiguous but arguably consistent with what they were saying.
With a 10 year old who loves his footy and goes hard at it I’ve given the issue a lot of thought. Just from watching junior games I’m more inclined to think helmets encourage leading with the head. I think kids learning to protect themselves especially at a young age is more important. Having helmets MAY remove some of the healthy fear of head impact as kids learn. In more senior footy that shouldn’t have the same effect as most instincts are already instilled. Players who have concussion history should be encouraged to try helmets.
No. Helmets have been proven to not reduce concussions.
The problem with head knocks is the brain literally bouncing around in your head. Your head hits the ground (or whatever), then your brain slams in to your skull. And if it hits it hard enough, bounces back into the other side of your skull.
Cool story. Except we are talking about football, and the helmets that a footballer would be able to wear. Which is quite clearly not the helmets you are referencing above.
And no. There is no scientific evidence demonstrating helmets reduce concussion in grid iron.
But more importantly, can we get back to abusing the umps please.
Except in the case of those activities the helmet is to try to stop your skull from shattering into a hundred pieces and your brain splattering all over the place.