The story
School board member Bill Kassler is pushing for BHS to require helmets for girls lacrosse. He brought the issue forward last school board meeting.
Really need some background…
US Lacrosse says helmets are optional for girls because it’s not considered a contact sport. So most girls choose not to wear them, or their teams don’t force them to. Boys are required to wear them because boys lacrosse is a contact sport. We know, it’s very confusing. Only two high schools require girls to wear helmets in NH that we know of: Pelham and John Stark. But in both places, the rule was put in place by the same principal.
So why does Dr. Kassler care?
He believes that by not mandating helmets, the school board is putting girls in harm’s way. He mentioned research that said girls lacrosse is the second-highest sport for injuries. We’ve only found one source that told us the same thing, but the data is erroneous. It cites sources that claim girls soccer has the highest concussion rate in girls sports, and they don’t wear helmets. Also, concussions aren’t even the most common injury in girls lacrosse－sprains are. The BHS team only had one concussion in the last three years.
Then what should we be concerned about?
Two parents were worried that another non-helmet-wearing team would be at risk for injury. Meaning collision. We’re now worried that the goggles are impairing their vision. The other concern: the “gladiator effect”－helmets indirectly causing the other team to play more aggressively, and even making the refs more lenient with aggressive play.
For real?
We don’t know, partially because we no comprendo lacrosse. But Bill Kassler said the effect is a myth, citing a study that disproved it. While we couldn’t find a study on girls lacrosse specifically, but we did find an article from a girls lacrosse coach arguing against the existence of the gladiator effect. One of the Bedford parents, a youth lacrosse coach, based his concern off when goggles were implemented, stating that they caused the game to become more physical. But Dr. Kassler argues that the benefits of the helmets are more important than the possible culture change.
What do the players think?
Every player we’ve talked to is saying no thanks to the helmets. One player says that she feels the goggles provide enough protection, and that they just have to rely on the refs and other players to be smart.
And Corey Parker?
Mr. Parker feels that until USA Lacrosse and the NHIAA mandate helmets, our girls shouldn’t be required to wear them. He says that girls are educated and know the benefits and risks of wearing helmets. He also believes that the game would be changed because of the gladiator effect.
Does Dr. Kassler know this?
It seems like it. Dr. Kassler met with the captains, the coaches, a parent, Mr. Parker and Mr. Jozokos right after the school year ended to discuss the helmets. Yet it was still brought forward…
The Runaway
The board is voting on it at tonight’s school board meeting. We think it’s an excellent fundraising opportunity for anyone who wants to sell popcorn.
What to do…
When you’re doing your best to buy the boxed water at lunch…
Wonder if anyone else cares. And don’t worry, the school board is trying to. They went over two more goals last meeting. You ready for this? They’re in the process of updating to LED lights. We know, it’s quite the bold move. And it gets better. They’re reducing the energy used for freezers in the kitchens. Feel informed? It’s all a part of their energy efficiency goal. They’re making the adjustments that they can under the current budget, but doing more depends on funding. They’ll be talking about energy consumption throughout the budget season…can’t wait… The second goal: pathways to graduation. We don’t know much except that the assistant superintendent is still gathering information. They said they want to make sure that every student feels like they have a good way to get to graduation. It’s very ambitious. We think it’d be easier if they just let natural selection run its course. But after they’ve gathered the data, they’ll think about changes to the pathways and possibly the core curriculum. And you know what that means…
When you didn’t step outside this week and you feel out of the loop…
Frantically try to figure out what you missed. Don’t worry, we’ll help you. Here’s a sports update. Boys soccer crushed Concord 5-0 while the girls beat them 1-0. The volleyball team also beat Concord 3-0. Sorry, Concord, not a good week for you guys. Girls soccer came through with a 2-1 win over Goffstown and boys soccer beat them 3-0. Field hockey also beat Timberlane 1-0. And, of course, the football team won on Friday with a whopping 31-14 against Central. But their fan section won. They pelted us with snowballs. Yep, you read that correctly. Long story short－we live in dub city. Don’t break the winning streak! No pressure…
When you’re still a little out of it and you just need a summary of last week real quick…
Look on social media－there was a freaking moose in Bedford. We’re a little sad because we’ve finally figured out the type of news that everyone cares about. We saw a deer last night. Eh? But just in case you really did live in a hole last week, and you’re not keeping up with all of Mr. Jozokos’ emails, then here: there was a moose at BHS on Tuesday morning. We’re almost positive this is the same moose that was in a Bedford pool from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The moose was there for 12 hours…can you imagine how pruned he must have been? He also managed to find the one pool open in October. Apparently the moose was looking for a mate, but he was unlucky. We guess cuffing season is a little tough for some.
Things to Know
Our First Break
Four day weekend this week. We know, it’s mini, but we need it. Who the heck set up first quarter with no breaks? Mr. Fournier, we need to talk.
Last Chance to Bring your Teacher that Apple
It’s the first week of parent teacher conferences. We wish you luck.