I think the real change will be generational.
current players have muscle memory from u10's coaches holding a bag and teaching them the revered hip and shoulder.
very hard to unlearn technique, even harder to unlearn culture.
the H&S and 'Ran back with the flight' are the concussive half of The Holy Quadrella of our game:
The Speccy: The Torp': The Hip and Shoulder: Ran back with the flight
and so they should have been; they are extremely hard to do well, sport is ritualised war where courage is commodity No.1, and we never knew the science and long term effects of concussion.
but now we know, and we may just have to make do with a Holy Quinella, or revere new things (punters seem to enjoy Kiss Cam during breaks at The Gabba?)
ban the H&S, probably dont run back with the flight, eyes only for the ball. maybe teach kids to take a precautionary glance to see if there's any head about to be poleaxed by a knee?
Cultural change is what's needed, and that doesn't happen at a reactionary AFL rules committee meeting full of Old Xavs who are only qualified to sell Audis or Lexuses for a mates dad, on a fifth of the money
We create culture
teach kids to always protect others and their own heads.
maybe a squib becomes acceptable, if it preserves someones brain, theirs or yours?
squib needs rebranding and validation by dads (yes dads, not mums) across Australia? maybe we change the language and 'to squib' becomes 'protected'.
"jeez you protected yourself beautifully out there today son'
'very deft protection there by young
gryan miers Jonathan Brown'
'not many have more acute hearing for footsteps than Kyron Hayden (that will test
@spook McAvaney out) do they BT?'
'No, he is a marvellously careful and tough young player with a long career and a cognitively healthy retirement ahead of him JB'
perhaps in 20 years, we'll hear 'he didn't *smile* GLANCE!!!!!' screamed over the fence at The G or 'No Precaution whatsoever you green maggots'
the game has to change culturally
or it will end up like rugby union; a cultural relic of a bygone era.
It wont be the AFL that lead the change; they couldn't lead a Labrador with a rump steak.
it will be us, junior clubs, school teachers, players, families, umpires (gulp), the media (gulp), the courts, doctors and scientists
and the u10 coaches (gulp).
there's an "alcohol-free Bottle'O' in Byron Bay. Maybe 'monogamous brothels' and 'concussion free footy' are next?
(starts timer to see how long before 'woke' gets written)
acts like Websters yesterday will speed the process up. Doesn't help poor jy Simpkin but
end of
rant thesis
#protecttheheadproperlyandtrytomstewartfortheftofapremiership
