Dead Horses and Cans of Worms--and Bats

Wayne, see my post to you thread below for more comments. For this thread, you are very much correct. Our coach is upset about the prospect of our team, and other's in our league, having to use wood, while non-conference teams use metal. Certainly a competetive disadvantage.

From the safety standpoint, the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook states that "It is the responsibility of each NCAA member institution to protect the health of and provide a safe environment that fosters a positive relationship between the student-athlete and coach." In addition (excperts from forward on shared responsibility), "Participation in sports requires an acceptance of risk of injury."
"Periodic analysis of injury patterns leads to refinements in the rules and other safety guidelines."
"The athletics program, via the athletics administratior, should be responsible for providing a safe environment"

Now, Wayne, you and I know that "assumed risk" will and does not hold up, even with waivers that some organizations require. Let's take this a few steps further:

1. Do we require that all players were facemasks?

2. Do we change first base to a double-wide?

3. How about getting really ridiculous, and go to RIF balls. The certainly reduce impact force and are readily available.

4. Now do we progress with batting vests and the "heart protectors for fielders."

5. If we are to look at evaluating injury statistics, let's go back to throwing underhand, as the stats indicate that the shoulder is the most-often injured area?

Wayne, please don't think for a minute that I'm trying to belittle you or you ideas. My intent is to show how utterly crazy the safety issue can be. Maybe I, too, would feel differently if my son were to get hit. I just want to give us all something to think about, since we obviously can't protect kids by placing them in a bubble. JT