Lorne Football Netball Club is tackling junior injuries head on with the introduction of mandatory helmets for the Under 13 team. Debuted at last Saturday’s match against Simpson (whose team also has a mandatory helmet policy) every child on the ground was wearing head protection.
Chosen for their breathability, light weight and protection, the Steeden helmets have been donated to the club in the hope of normalising head safety wear for all local children.
Ken Hosking Lorne Football & Netball Club President said “The Club Executive and Committee are fully supportive of the initiative of our coach of our Under 13 football team in the wearing of helmets on game day from now on. It was great to see all players take up the offer from our generous sponsor and play in them on Saturday. Safety of our kids is our priority“.
Coach Andrew Allen agreed. “Making helmets mandatory has meant that those kids who were thinking about wearing a helmet but were worried about what other kids would think, can now do so without being stigmatised. Hopefully now it becomes as normal as wearing a mouth guard.”
Reflecting on last Saturday’s game Coach Allen said “My initial impression was that some of the smaller and lower age kids were able to get involved in the game with a lot more confidence. This initiative, combined with the leagues directive to clubs and umpires around correct and safe tackling techniques, has been a huge step forward in ensuring the safety of junior players.”
Asked whether helmets increased risk taking behaviour from the junior players he said “There was certainly no evidence of players becoming more reckless as a result wearing a helmet“.
Carly Enticott – Lorne Dolphins’ senior netball coach, Great Ocean Road Health nurse and mother of Kobe, Dolphin’s Under 13 football player, said “Kobe has been wearing head-gear since the beginning of the season. I’m so glad all the kids now have helmets and they are the new norm across the entire team“.
“While we know footy helmets are controversial – in that they can’t fully protect against concussion – I feel some protection is better than none. It’s the same for cycling, skiing, horse riding and motorcycling helmets, they don’t give wearers complete protection against serious injury but they do minimise impacts causing cuts, abrasions and bruising. It’s a no-brainer!” concluded Carly.
And Saturday’s result?
Lorne Dolphins v Simpson Tigers.
6:7 – 43 to 3:2 – 20
