Saturday, May 03, 2025

The Player Didn't Play Enough

Sports teach life - the value of preparation, focus, effort, teamwork. In Viktor Frankl's classic, Man's Search for Meaning, he extends Freud's principles about relationships and work to include suffering.

Suffering includes losing, playing poorly, not feeling you belong, not playing at all.

Maintaining a positive attitude, being a great teammate, and working to improve are your best options. A few players quit. 

Here's a failure story. "Failure is not final." As a high school junior, I played the final eight seconds of an eight-point basketball victory over...Melrose. Coach's decision, not a problem. The next season I played all 36 minutes in Boston Garden in a one-point overtime sectional win. Not a star, just a contributor to winning. 

Learn from the experience, regardless of playing time. 

Lagniappe. Is there volleyball-appropriate protective headgear? (via ChatGPT)

Yes, there is protective headgear designed for volleyball players—especially for those returning after a head injury or concussion. While not as common as in sports like football or hockey, soft-shell protective headgear is available and sometimes used for added protection or peace of mind.

Types of Protective Headgear for Volleyball:

  1. Soft Padded Headbands

    • Brands like Halo, Storelli, Unequal, and Full90 make lightweight, soft-shell headbands.

    • These help reduce impact forces from incidental contact (like a collision with a teammate or the floor).

    • Some are ASTM or FIFA-approved for soccer but are also used in volleyball due to similar incidental-contact risks.

  2. Full Cap-Style Headgear

    • Slightly bulkier than a headband but still soft and flexible.

    • More common in youth leagues or for athletes with a history of multiple head injuries.

    • Products like GameBreaker and Unequal Halo 3 fall into this category.

Considerations:

  • Comfort and vision: Headgear should be snug but not obstruct peripheral vision or hearing.

  • League/coach approval: Always check with your coach or governing league, especially for official matches. Some may require medical clearance or documentation.

  • Function: These devices reduce the risk and severity of head injury, but they do not eliminate it.

Key Point:

Headgear can offer some protection for minor impacts, but return-to-play decisions should always follow concussion protocols and medical clearance. Headgear should never replace proper technique or adherence to safety rules. 

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