Get serious about concussions, girls' lax

Regarding "Getting serious about concussions" [Sports, April 11], it was with great interest that I read about Major League Baseball's new guidelines requiring placement on a 7-day disabled list for players having sustained blows to the head.

I applaud Newsday for calling attention to this issue, and MLB for implementing these guidelines. At the same time, I'm dismayed that the sport has not mandated use of the new and improved helmets, which offer protection from balls at speeds in the 90- to 100-mph range, common in the MLB. The basic helmet that most players wear only protects against balls traveling at speeds of up to 75 mph.

Kudos to Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins and Francisco Cervelli of the Yankees for having the wisdom and guts to don the new, safer helmets and serve as positive role models for our kids.

Deborah M. Benson

Plainview

Editor's note: The writer is a neuropsychologist and director of the Common Ground Alliance, a membership organization for people with brain injuries and their families.
 

Most of the sports world has recently become aware of the seriousness of head injuries and concussions. But in Newsday, two pictures present a very different approach. In one, two boys competing in college lacrosse are shown with full protective headgear, covering their face and head. Opposite is a picture of a girl competing in lacrosse with just eye goggles.

The high school sports section presents the same reality: boys with full protective headgear and the girls with just goggles. Are girls less susceptible to head injuries?

Come on administrators, let's catch up. Let's get the girls the protection they need.

Vincent O'Neill

Massapequa Park