Olympic Skateboarding - helmets

[ElecticBetty]

AIBU for thinking that you shouldn’t be able to compete for skateboarding Olympic medals unless you’re wearing a helmet?

Not only do a lot of children enjoy skateboarding, there are a lot of them competing as well. Obviously skating organisations regulate themselves etc but I feel like the Olympics should be positioning safety as important in a sport.

One of the Olympic principles is to promote sport. It’s not a good look.

gitnux.org/skateboarding-head-injury-statistics/

I completely agree they would probably provide a difficulty for people used to competing without them.

I’m not sympathetic - everyone’s got the same disadvantage. I’m sure lots of racing drivers objected to wearing seatbelts at one stage.

There’s no conduct you think should stop an athlete competing (once any punishment has been served)

The rapist volleyball player?
Called the head of the Olympic committee a twat?
Poisoned another athlete?
Tattooed a portrait of Hitler on their arm?

I don't want my kids recklessly jumping over obstacles where they could trip and fall. Hurdlers should have to stop and carefully step over each hurdle to set a good example.

And dear lord don't start me on the javelin.

@mrsdineen2 - did you read the link in my op? The stats are there

The stats don't show that Olympic skateboarders are at a disproportionate risk of head injury.

Under 18s usually have to wear a helmet. My ex is actually commentating and I asked the same questions while with him! I found it madness.

I think out of all the skateboarding competitions I have been to (which there are a LOT) I don't think a single person wore a helmet unless a child.

I think it’s more of an issue that of the ones who were wearing helmets most didn’t have them done up tight enough to have done them much good anyway . Very poor example to set to children which is who skate boarding appeals to in the main .

Also if I have ever seen people wear helmets they never have them done up either... so pretty pointless.

In what world are any of those even vaguely comparable to a competitor choosing not to wear a peice of non-mandatory safety equipment?

Thank you for being the voice of reason.

Fuck me, that escalated quickly! You're seriously bringng Nazis and rapists into a discussion about helmet wearing?!

Say what you want about the Nazis, but they did usually wear helmets.

Well if I had died, I wouldn’t be here to put my hand up. So your poll is flawed.

never get this logic. “We all did x y and z and we’re ok”

yes because the kids who didn’t wear seatbelts, or helmets, or whatever and did have serious accidents aren’t here to argue their side. Because they’re dead.

The American girl hasn’t got one and the Australian has had hers unfastened the whole time!

Are helmets really effective? Cycling helmets, for example, are only tested to speeds of 14mph. Great if you fall over onto a curb from standing but irrelevant in any collision with a car.

They are adults. I think it's up to them. If you want your child to wear a helmet, that's up your you, it's not anyone else's responsibility.

None of the guys today are wearing any. But they aren't wearing pads either.