the heavy tail of sports injuries

[gusl]

A week ago, team Geeks were knocked-out from the soccer tournament in the semi-final, in a close and exciting match (in fact, it was a Golden Goal that clinched it). I was there, but I didn't play. No one asked me to play (well, that's almost true). I didn't play because I reckoned it was a bad decision for myself, despite all the adrenalin tempting me. So I chose for ahimsa.

My desire to play was largely due to my desire to compete. The game was very competitive, and proportionally violent. I think that a good life principle is: if you're considering doing something out of male pride, don't do it.

I know people who have broken toes, developed chronically bad knees, etc because of soccer injuries. My dad has had his share of it. As much as I love the game, it's just not worth the risk. (And hockey isn't any better, from what I know)

Besides, by playing in violent matches, I would be implicitly legitimizing their actions.

And so I only play in (really) amateur games.

Futuristic ideas:
* It would be nice if we had a FairPlay reputation system for pickup matches (possibly a social-network application).
* It would be interesting if we had neural implants ("karma implants") so that whenever you cause pain in somebody else, you receive just as much pain. While I don't necessarily think that most injuries are caused by malice, such a system would definitely make them more aware.

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I'm reminded that UBC REC had us sign a disclaimer against injuries/accidents, which I found an odd thing for soccer. Now I understand.

Comments

[peamasii.livejournal.com]

For this reason exactly I discourage my son to take up soccer regularly. He can injure himself in so many ways playing it, that it's better to be active in other sports instead: cycling, skating, swimming, judo, etc.

[rdore.livejournal.com]

I think that a good life principle is: if you're considering doing something out of male pride, don't do it.

For anything involving substantial personal risk (driving aggressively, gambling large amounts of money, etc.), especially with marginal gains, this is very true. However, I feel like such pride can be channeled into some productive tasks that might otherwise be hard to get motivated about.