pennsicdance: Dance injuries

[Tracie Brown]

Of course the number of fighting injuries is probably much higher than the 
number of *reported* fighting injuries. After all, what rattan hero wants to 
"ruin" his or her Pennsic by getting treated for a little problem like a 
minor sprain, popped fingernail [ouch!], etc.  Some of the heat, exhaustion 
and even pre-existing illness incidents are fighting-related, though not 
fighting injuries per se. Also, many folks, fighters included, do not seek 
medical care for Pennsic injuries until they return home.  This was the case 
with both my Pennsic fighting injuries, one of which was a broken hand.  (I 
iced it down, took painkillers and didn't get it x-rayed for another 2 
weeks, when I finally decided that maybe it wasn't just a bruise...)

Still, SCA fighting -- "heavy" and "light" -- has a remarkably good safety 
record when compared with mundane sports. Yes, it is dangerous -- the most 
dangerous thing we do at events -- but our rules, equipment, training and 
standards are pretty effective in keeping us safe. Or maybe it's just dumb 
luck, but whatever it is, it's working.

A related aside: when I was in college (Michigan State), SCA fighting was 
lumped with intramural sports for insurance purposes and was classed with 
the *non-contact* sports when it came to injuries and safety.

Those who say that there are "more injuries on the dance floor than the 
fighting field" are probably just engaging in hyperbole to emphasize that 
SCA fighting has a better safety record than one might expect.  On the other 
hand, and in the interest of continued dance safety, will the Dance Marshals 
be checking to make sure everyone's knee and ankle braces are in position?  
:^)

-- Signy

>Per the Chirurgeon-in-Charge's report from Pennsic 30, the following
>categories caused more reported injuries than dancing:
>
>Camping/walking
>Pre-existing illness
>Heavy fighting
>General illness
>Heat
>Exhaustion
>Kitchen
>Play (Children)
>Allergic reactions
>Fencing



_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com