If you could change one rule in any sport or organization, what would that be?

[Chazmatazz269]

Just one rule for any given sport or sport organization. What would you change if you could?

[msc545]

In competitive sailing, I would eliminate the Windward Overlap rule - far too much confusion and conflict over this:

"Windward overlap is a situation that can occur in sailboat racing when two boats are on the same tack and the boat that is to leeward (downwind) has caught up to the boat that is to windward (upwind) and is sailing directly behind it. When this happens, the leeward boat is said to have a "windward overlap" on the windward boat."

"In sailboat racing, the boat with a windward overlap has certain rights and obligations. Specifically, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat, which means that it cannot sail above its proper course and prevent the leeward boat from passing to leeward. The leeward boat, on the other hand, must avoid sailing too close to the windward boat, as this could cause a collision."

"The windward overlap is an important tactical consideration in sailboat racing, as it can provide a significant advantage to the leeward boat, which can use its position to force the windward boat to sail a less efficient course. The windward boat, in turn, will try to maintain its position by sailing faster or changing course in a way that makes it difficult for the leeward boat to maintain the overlap."

[purplepoppy]

The up coming rule in rugby they're introducing that says you can't grab people above waist height. It's supposed to make it safer but nobody wants to watch a safe game.

[Chazmatazz269]

Yeah, there’s a fine line there. We want players, especially stars, to have nice long careers so we can watch them. But being overprotective can diminish the excitement. In the states, there are similar issues with American football. Problem is we definitely need to protect children until they’re old enough to choose for themselves how much permanent damage they’re prepared to accept for possible fame and fortune. But doing so doesn’t actually prepare them for the same game the pros are playing. I’m on the side of healthcare programs and retirement programs being set up so that the players don’t die destitute if they sustain career ending injuries in training or competition.

[questiongirl567]

That rule doesn’t even make sense? Did they add that just to prevent low blows for guys because that’s the only reason I can think of. I know guys who do rugby and they go for the legs for every take down because it works low blows happen but they are really not that common and usually happen on the ground anyways

[Iron_Man]

No choking in MMA

[Chazmatazz269]

Whaddya mean? You would take chokes off the table?

[Iron_Man]

Yes….

[Chazmatazz269]

Why?

[Iron_Man]

That’s not fair

[Chazmatazz269]

Hahahaha! If it’s within the rules, it’s “fair”. As long as both competitors have the same options, it’s not necessarily unfair. I don’t see your point.
Are you comfortable with joint lock submissions?

[Iron_Man]

Then they should allow hitting in the nuts eye. gouging and biting

[Iron_Man]

you have to bite the arm to get out of the rear naked choke hold

[Chazmatazz269]

You’re really not supporting your argument. You’re just challenging existing rules. There are no rules that permit the permanent disfigurement of an opponent, or their permanent disability. That’s why eye gouging, biting and groin attacks are not allowed. Choking doesn’t cause permanent disfigurement or disability. It’s actually less harmful than being concussed as the result of knockout punches or kicks. It carries less long term effects even than head trauma common among football players.

[Iron_Man]

I’ve already explained myself I’m eating dinner now

[msc545]

except if you choke someone and cut off the blood supply to the brain there is going to be some brain damage.

[Chazmatazz269]

That’s not entirely true. You would have to hold the choke for much longer than is permitted in a sanctioned MMA match in order to cause permanent brain damage.

[msc545]

How long do you think it takes?

[Chazmatazz269]

The common consensus suggests about four minutes without oxygen will cause brain damage. Some research suggests we can go up to six minutes. Of course there are other factors, but the average effective choke in MMA is held for a matter of seconds and there are trained professionals that enter the ring immediately to ensure a safe recovery and the preservation of a fighter’s life and livelihood.

[msc545]

I've watched and seen how well those "trained professionals" respond to problems.; Not very well at all as it turns out.

[Chazmatazz269]

I’ve been watching MMA since the beginning of televised events and i’ve rolled with seasoned martial artists and rookies like myself. I’ve never seen someone hold a choke for much more than a few seconds after their opponent loses consciousness. Can you cite examples to the contrary?

[msc545]

AFTER they lose consciousness. Do you seriously think that they cannot sustain damage before they lose consciousness?

[Chazmatazz269]

Yup, and so do hosts of medical experts who aren’t even writing in terms of professional sports.

my.clevelandclinic.org/.../6025-cerebral-hypoxia

www.spinalcord.com/.../what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-lack-of-oxygen

https://www.webmd.com/stroke/happens-body-stroke

[msc545]

Well yes, no grossly observable damage maybe, but these are popular articles. Find a few articles with people who have negative brain MRIs and negative Neuropsych studies, and then we can talk.

[Chazmatazz269]

Since you’re on that side of the debate, that responsibility is yours. If you’re just doubting science because you’re ignorant and don’t like that the common consensus doesn’t support your feelings, we don’t need to talk at all. This conversation is over.

[msc545]

You seem to have difficult coping with disagreements appropriately.

[Iron_Man]

Yes he does

[msc545]

😒😒