Lateralis85 t1_jct58f9 wrote
Reply to comment by praetorion999 in A Swedish study found elite male soccer players are 1.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease compared to population controls. A previous study from Scotland suggested that soccer players were 3.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease. by Wagamaga
The evidence from rugby is that soft helmets ("scrum caps" in rugby) aren't effective at preventing injuries through impact, but preventing abrasions and cuts. So for concussions and sub-concussive impacts, scrum caps are of little value but they give the illusion of protection which encourages riskier behaviour.
praetorion999 t1_jctes2w wrote
Rugby is not like soccer. They don’t use headers on the ball either
Lateralis85 t1_jcth3dm wrote
I am well aware that rugby is not like soccer. I thought about putting something to that effect in my comment but thought it was plainly unnecessary.
My comment still stands. Soft scrum caps (or "helmets") are of no use against impacts, which a header is, but they give the illusion of safety which might encourage more headers and paradoxically make the situation worse.
If there is a problem with headers causing long-term injuries, the solution isn't a "soft helmet". That's the point.
praetorion999 t1_jctksyh wrote
You didn't give evidence for that. Just rugby which isn't comparable
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