[jet]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

But do you not think it should be down to the individuals who participate in these sports to decide? There's risk involved in all sports, American Football infact is one of the worst for concussions and brain damage more so than boxing I believe (but I will try to find something to back that up)

and you can choose to just not watch the sport if you don't like it

I guess it is down to the individual, but I still think it's barbaric and haven't watched a boxing match for years....
In American football the intent isn't to hurt someone until their brain is shaken around in their head so badly they can barely stand up. I think it's the thought of deliberately targeting the head area that I can't stomach. My guideline is 'would I want to see my son being punched in the head or causing hurt deliberately that way and the answer is a big NO'! (He does play football...)
I forbade him to buy a motorbike when he was 17 and thankfully he grew out of wanting one. Maybe I'm an over protective Dad...