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EDITORIALS: Paul McCrory Boxing and the risk of chronic brain injury BMJ 2007; 335: 781-782 [Full text]

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BMA needs evidence based policy

Andrew J Ashworth   (6 October 2007)

what about rugby?

dr mohan devegowda   (21 October 2007)

BMA needs evidence based policy 6 October 2007
Andrew J Ashworth, General Practitioner Davidson's Mains Medical Centre, 5 Quality Street, EDINBURGH, EH4 5BP Send response to journal: Re: BMA needs evidence based policy	In the period that the BMA has opposed boxing, there has been a decline in the amateur sport. Gang membership and street violence have increased (perhaps in part replacing regulated amateur boxing tournaments) as outlets for testosterone fuelled youth. A recent update from the BMA Board of Science(1) claims that the BMA is against boxing because of (a) serious health risks involved (b) non- boxing events are commercialised (this really is put forward as an argument against regulated boxing!) (c) Nothing has changed since 1982 when the BMA first made its mind up. Argument (a) is inconsistent with the evidence, argument (b) is patent nonsense and argument (c) appears outdated. The BMA should revisit is policy on the basis of evidence, mindful of the potential negative impacts of its influential views on the public health. 1.http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/boxing?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,boxing Competing interests: Following a direct order as a Royal Navy Medical Officer. I officiated at an amateur boxing bout and saw the sense of belonging and self esteem this sport can give to those without the priviledges of those who seek to ban the sport.
what about rugby? 21 October 2007
dr mohan devegowda, GP Bengalooru India 560038 Send response to journal: Re: what about rugby?	sir, We are talking only about boxing and head injuries. But if you look at rugby, american football and ice hockey it is still amazing how one survives at the end of the game! Specially rugby is very scaring and one can get injured all over ex., nasal bridge, ear lobes and ligaments all over. Sooner some kind of restriction or fair play should be brought to these games.Otherwise many youngsters will remain with suffering through out their lives. Competing interests: None declared