Doctors Protest Against Mixed Martial Arts in Canada
Posted: Friday, August 27, 2010
by Lorne Marr
LSM Insurance
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are a sport with about a 100-year tradition. A selection of fighting techniques is allowed in one match. Like that, martial artists skilled in different arts can fight each other in the ring. It is a full-contact sport with roots traceable back into ancient Rome.
Recently, doctors had something to say about this sport on the Canadian Medical Association's general annual meeting which was held in Niagara Falls. Most of the doctors expressed their belief that this sport should best be outlawed. Their arguments are that MMA is a dangerous sport with too large a probability of injuries a lot larger than it is in other sports, like boxing.
The British Medical Association also expressed worries about MMA early in 2009 and are campaigning against MMA in Britain. They also argue that the sport can get excessively violent. For more info please see BMA's official statement here).
In an article from the opposite camp, WatchKalibRun.com expresses their own understanding of the British Medical Association's arguments. They rightly note that there is limited or no data available from the British and point to an American study. This study observed almost 200 MMA matches with the findings hinting that numbers of injuries and knock-out rates in MMA are comparable to other combative sports.
The Hamilton Spectator talked to two experts from the MMA business a coach and a fighter about their take on the matter. They bring up the problem of less protection in MMA than in box, the match rules are less specific and there are looser regulations in general. Unlike in box, the strikes aren't aimed solely at the opponent's head and torso in MMA, which brings about a wider selection of injuries, although it possibly decreases the relative prominence of head injuries specifically. In summary, both professionals are calling for a unification of the procedures across Canada instead of per-province regulations.
Wondering why didn't hear from our doctors before? Because only recently (in the middle of August 2010), Ontario government agreed to make MMA legal in the province to join a few other provinces in Canada and about 46 US states. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warrior One (W1) have already prepared business strategies aiming to develop activities in lucrative locations in the province. Ontario Premier Mr. Dalton McGuinty had to turn a blind eye to allow the sport after long negotiations and much thought, but insists on continuous supervision of all the events and adherence to all the rules, according to Toronto Sun.
Nonetheless, doctors argue that there is a lack of trained professionals at the matches and even if there were, it would be unthinkable for them to powerlessly observe the injuries and just let them happen. Martial artists from traditional schools opine that MMA basically negates the basic principles of martial arts, those being courtesy, self-control, discipline and most of all respect.
As reported by CTV, Dr. Shelby Karpman points out that due to the sport's popularity, outlawing it will hardly prevent matches from taking place at underground venues. However, medical supervision would not be enforceable and in turn the artists could count on subpar care. This equals even greater danger.
That said, it appears that if MMA cannot be banned, it should be officially regulated and rules should be obeyed. This also means that there should be reasonable medical supervision present; insurance, licensing and preventative measures should be enforced always.
As I am sure you are wondering: Extreme sports are a separate chapter of life insurance. Not every company will even want to sell you coverage if you perform such an extreme sport. Those who have such plans in their portfolio are absolutely going to ask a much higher premium. The final price is going to be based on the amount of risk you are undertaking in the sport in question. A fighter must familiarize him or herself with any exclusions and caveats in the policy and should not take part in any but licensed events. Illegal fighting may mar your chances of ever claiming on your policy.
Nevertheless, life insurance is not going to be enough if you do extreme sports. A fighter will likely severely harm her or his counterpart which will make her or him responsible for all associated reimbursements. Each fighter should have liability insurance of her or his own. As with life insurance, with liability insurance it applies that the fight should be a part of a duly licensed and supervised venue and is subject to any exclusions.
Delivered to you by Mr. Lorne Marr, an independent insurance broker from Toronto. His LSM Insurance works with 13 different insurers such as Great-West Life Insurance and AXA Life Insurance.
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