I would love to read the discussion but i hate myspace. Max took a mallet to the face, the business end.

wah i can't even go look at a discussion because i hate myspace..so everyone please fill me in because i have internet morals...wah wah wah!!(my impression of jonny)

anyway back tot real idea...high sticking happened even in the big ball/woodmallet game. i saw people get hit in the head with those too.

i dont think it is all to blame on the small ball/different mallets. the new mallets are lighter which may lead to more follow through because we are all so used to swinging the heavy wood ones.

it sucks getting hit in the head but really is it a new discussion that will require more rules or it is just maybe we should be wearing helmets?

-jake

For the helmets to be effective, they'd need some manner of face-mask. So basically (more or less) a hockey helmet. I think someone posted a pic of one on the email list.
As Max pointed out, the injury would have been much worse had the mallet struck any of the more fleshy portions of his ruggedly handsome visage.
Anything covered by a normal helmet would not be likely to receive as grievous an injury (includes forehead).

However I don't know how we would implement a high-sticking penalty, as it would certainly be called after any shot was taken.

ya a system based on penalties will not work. even in hockey where there are penalties for it, you can high stick all you want as long as you don't hit anyone. let's just focus on wrist shots, which are more accurate anyway for the small ball.

people are not likely going to start wearing helmets, unless an insurance policy dictates that they must (such as at the World's in toronto). and i agree, facemasks would be way more useful anyway. fact is, people are going to get hurt in polo. we can reduce the risk, but it's still going to happen.

people are not likely going to start wearing helmets, unless an insurance policy dictates that they must (such as at the World's in toronto).

You don't mean to say that all players will be required to wear them do you?
O.o

Maya

that's what i heard

I didn't know this until a few weeks ago, but both the Worlds and the NACCC's are governed by very stringent rules so that they are uniform across host cities and so that such a big event is easier to host in/with a city.

It is a sanctioned event, and the city agencies involved like to see that it's been thrown before either without incident or with contingencies for incidents.

So: if helmets are required for the Toronto parks dep't to sign off, and parks dep't sign off is required by the Worlds, then helmets are required at the worlds.

There really is no reason for you to “slap shot” the small ball. A solid wrist shot is all you need to send the ball full court w/o it losing any speed.

Also, I don’t know if you guys have the same problem – but like in big ball, when you “slap shot” and then follow through, the small ball has the tendency to leave the ground and become an orange death comet – very scary stuff.

Besides, Kev is right, wrist shots are infinitely more accurate, quick, painless and useful. Think pool shot not golf swing………… Crandall

I have been trying to keep all this in mind during play, really, I have. Sometimes, though, I get really excited about a shot on goal or an important defensive clear and I swing big.

Today I swung big, whiffed completely, and the follow-through went right up into Tony's forehead.

http://stlbikepolo.blogspot.com/

i don't think a helmet woulda helped with either of these forehead wounds.

I tried a helmet with a face shield once after taking a ball to the nose, too heavy and reduced visibility. Out here on the west coast we pretty much just say try to keep your head up and your mallet down, but accidents happen...

well for one, I think we are all to aware that the transmission of bodily fluids between people carries a pretty hefty health risk. Be it mine or from others, I for one will not be bathing any blood baths

Also, I assume that "Corey teh courier" is not from the midwest and has no idea of the hurricane magnitude of play that happens here.

If I were you, I would start putting plywood sheets up now 'cause it's gonna get real stormy real soon.

mke eric