TRR photo by Richard A. Ross

Skateboarding

The skinny on skateboarding safety

By RICHARD A. ROSS

According to the Consumer Product Safety Review of 2003, “Skateboarding is a comparatively safe sport.” Participant-based injury rates are lower than football, basketball, bicycling and snowboarding. The report goes on to note that:

• Most serious skateboard injuries involve a collision with a vehicle. (A good reason for skate parks.)

• Six out of ten injuries are to children under 15 years of age.

• Injuries to first-time skateboarders are mostly due to falls. Experienced skateboarders suffer injuries when their skateboards strike rocks and other irregularities in the riding surface or when they attempt difficult stunts.

• Protective gear should include helmets, slip-resistant, closed shoes and designed padding.

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Summer League high school basketball

Looking ahead to winter

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY—Amid the blazing heat of summer, a number of local high school basketball players are spending several evenings a week preparing themselves for this coming winter.

It’s not the snow and the icy roads they are steeling themselves for; it’s basketball. While most people are swimming, playing baseball and softball or enjoying barbecues, fairs and summer’s easy pace, serious basketball players and coaches are busy writing scripts for a season of stirring drama to be staged in packed gyms throughout the region from December through March.

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