Will The IOC’s Olympic Wrestling Exclusion Make Amateur Wrestling “Encounters” Illegal in Canada?

February 18, 2013

The short answer is arguably yes if Bill S-209 passes in its current form and if Provinces don’t act accordingly to fill in the soon to be created gap. As previously highlighted, the Canadian Government’s ongoing effort to amend the Criminal Code to make MMA legal in Canada is not without it’s shortcomings.  One of … More Will The IOC’s Olympic Wrestling Exclusion Make Amateur Wrestling “Encounters” Illegal in Canada?

More on Sport Concussion Risks – Which Sports Come With the Greatest Incidence of Concussion?

January 23, 2013

All contact sports come with concussion risks.  However, as I have previously highlighted, combat sports do not come with a disproportionate risk of injury or concussion when compared to other contact sports. Adding to the scientific data behind this, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine has recently published an article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine finding “the majority … More More on Sport Concussion Risks – Which Sports Come With the Greatest Incidence of Concussion?

MMA Not The “Safest Sport in the World” But Safer Than Many Critics Think

January 9, 2013

Today Dana White, the president of the UFC, is reported as stating that MMA “is the safest sport in the world”. Unsurprisingly a lot of negative feedback came from this easily refutable statement.   While this comment should be criticized as being factually incorrect, what should not be lost in the debate is the fact that … More MMA Not The “Safest Sport in the World” But Safer Than Many Critics Think

Bill C319 Not Likely To Become Law Any Time Soon

January 3, 2013

Last month I discussed concussions in contact sports and highlighted some Canadian legislative efforts addressing this issue including Federal Bill C319.  I addressed the Bill’s slow progress speculating that it may not become law. This week the Bill’s author, Member of Parliament Bill Thibeault, was kind enough to contact me giving me insight into the … More Bill C319 Not Likely To Become Law Any Time Soon

Concussions in Combat Sports and Government Regulation Efforts

December 21, 2012

If you are looking for a quick introduction to concussive injuries (or if you need an aid for explaining concussions to others), this video by Dr. Mike Evans from the Sport Concussion Library,  is a great starting point. Given the problems that concussions in sports can create members of Parliament and BC’s Legislature have introduced Bills … More Concussions in Combat Sports and Government Regulation Efforts

Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

December 19, 2012

With findings that may catch many opponents of MMA and other striking sports off guard, the Canadian Paediatric Society recently published an article discussing injury risks of youth boxing participation. The article’s final recommendation opposing boxing for youth is not surprising given the Canadian Medical Association’s view that “all boxing be banned in Canada“.  The Canadian Paediatric Society’s opposition appears more grounded … More Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

Boxing Glove Coupled With Headgear Found Best Combination to Reduce Concussive Impacts For Striking Sports

December 18, 2012

The Journal of Neurosurgery recently published a useful study addressing  Traumatic Brain Injury exposure from the following five padding combinations: 1.  unpadded (control), 2. MMA glove-unpadded head, 3.  boxing glove unpadded head, 4.  unpadded pendulum-boxing headgear, 5.  boxing glove-boxing headgear. The study went on to review a total of 17 injury risk parameters.  Unsurprisingly, the study concluded … More Boxing Glove Coupled With Headgear Found Best Combination to Reduce Concussive Impacts For Striking Sports

Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

November 30, 2012

Bill S-209, the law seeking to amend the Canadian Criminal Code to permit the legalization of MMA is now one step closer to reality.   (You can click here for background information). The Parliament of Canada’s website confirms that Bill S-209 has now passed second reading and has been referred to the Committee of the House of … More Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

More on Regulating Canadian MMA – Can City Governments Outlaw Consensual Fighting?

November 22, 2012

I have spent a lot of time highlighting the Federal Government’s effort to amend the Criminal Code to legalize MMA in Canada, I have also spent time highlighting Provincial obligations to ensure amateur contests do not slip between the cracks, this leaves the last level of government – the Municipal.  Can municipalities outlaw consensual fighting?  Reasons for judgement were … More More on Regulating Canadian MMA – Can City Governments Outlaw Consensual Fighting?

BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges

November 7, 2012

Today the BC Government issued a press release announcing a COMMAND training course being set up in BC with a view towards the eventual certification of MMA judges under the Athletic Commissioner Act. As previously discussed, this legislation will regulate promoters, fighters and officials for professional MMA contests.  The regulations under this legislation are still being worked out but … More BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges