Re: [RC] [RC] Kids, ponies and distance riding... now age requirement - Sisu West Ranch
1. I'm not sure that the AERC should be in the
helmet requirement business just for juniors. If we think it is so
important to require riders to wear helmets, why just the juniors?
Yes, people will reply that adults can figure out the risks to themselves, but
kids can't. That is why kids have parents. Parents are adults and
can figure out what their kids should wear. (Please don't think I don't
wear a helmet. I do. If I had any children, who were not adults, they
would also. On the rare occasions my adult kids ride my horses, they
do.)
2. The helmet liability issues are generally put
off onto the deep pockets of the helmet manufacturers, who do a number of things
like using standards organizations to prove their designs, and purchasing
insurance. I heard one time that a significant percentage of the price you
pay for a helmet goes to fund the lawyers and insurance coverage.
3. American legal practice uses some strange
arguments. Any attorney worth his/her salt can argue any side of any
issue. Many of their arguments are wierd (in my opinion), but still
sometimes win cases. If the AERC is perceived as having money, it will be
sued sometime. All it can do is not borrow trouble.
4. The most important issue here, In my
opinion, is the rights and responsibilities of parents.
5. Most of the age classifications in sports. seem
to have more to do with fair competition and fun than safety issues. 6 yr
olds don't play sports with 12 yr olds partly because of safety concerns, but
mostly because neither they or the 12 yr olds would have fun.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
