America’s deadly sport
QUESTION
How does American Football justify its players’ extensive protective equipment when the game is no more, and possibly less, dangerous than rugby union? AMERICAn football was first played in around 1849 with few or no rules. It was not until 1873 that a set of rules was adopted and the foundation laid for intercollegiate matches. At that time, the players wore long trousers and jerseys.
the first simple rules were gradually changed and became entirely strategic, with weeks of preliminary work before players took to the field.
But it was the tactic of ‘interference’ (or blocking) that really changed the game. ‘Interference’ meant protecting a runner by getting the opposing players out of the way, making brute strength a feature of American football. It also allowed direct shoulder charges and head charges — the cause of many spinal and head injuries.
Interference is illegal in both rugby codes. the prohibition stems from the game’s strict enforcement of its offside rule, which prohibits any player of the team with possession of the ball being between the ball and the goal.
By 1897, a crusade against football (which was described as ‘the most deadly sport known’) was growing in America. A list was drawn up of casualties recorded during four months: eight killed and 406 were injured, several for life. Georgia passed a state law prohibiting the game and other states considered doing likewise.
In 1903, it was agreed to try to protect players in what was described as the most violent, exciting and dangerous game in the world, though calls to make it less brutal were mocked. Satirical magazines warned that the football players of the future would bow to each other on the field and even become effeminate.
Eventually, a uniform was adopted: players wore a sleeveless jersey of heavy, tough canvas that reached to the waist and was laced up in front. trousers were canvas or moleskin, with thick padding at the knees and across the thighs.
Added to this were various forms of guards. Heads were protected by a huge leather cap and over the ears were huge leather ear protectors, covering the greater part of a player’s face.
noses were guarded by a huge piece of india rubber, perforated for breathing, hanging from a strap round his forehead. Shoulders were covered with leather pads sewn under the jersey. there were other leather guards on the elbows and knees, while an elaborate padded shield covered the front of the legs.
But even with all that protective gear, 14 players were killed and 175 were injured in 1913, compared with the previous season, when 13 died and 183 were injured. the fatalities resulted from fractured skulls, broken necks and spinal injuries.
Mel hopkins, kettering, northants.
QUESTION
Are there any diseases we can catch from pet cats and dogs, and vice versa? InFECtIoUS diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans are called zoonotic diseases, and there are several well-known examples, though they are rare and can be prevented with good hygiene.
Cat scratch disease ( CSD) is an unpleasant infection that causes the lymph nodes around the head, neck and upper limbs to become swollen. Up to 40 per cent of cats carry Bartonella henselae, the pathogen that causes the disease, at some time in their lives.
Kittens are more likely to carry the bacteria in their blood and, therefore, might be more likely to transmit the disease than adult cats. the cats usually catch the disease from infected fleas, so year-round flea control is the best way of controlling the risk of disease in humans.
Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection spread by animals. In 90 per cent of cases, it causes only mild flu- like symptoms, such as headache, chills and muscle pain. However, in some cases the infection is more severe and can cause lifethreatening problems, including organ failure and internal bleeding.
In its most severe form, leptospirosis is also known as Weil’s disease. You can catch it by touching soil or water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Animals known to be carriers of the leptospira bacteria include cattle, pigs, dogs and rodents, particularly rats.
Leptospirosis is rare, with fewer than 40 cases reported in England and Wales every year.
Hookworms that infect canines belong to the Ancylostomatidae family of parasitic nematodes, named after the hook-like mouth parts they use to attach to the intestinal walls of their hosts.
If your dog or cat has an infection, you can get it indirectly by touching faeces contaminated with eggs or larvae dirt with your bare hands or feet. Similarly, tapeworms and roundworms might be contracted from animal faeces.
Dogs and especially cats can shed salmonella organisms after infection in their faeces and saliva, meaning transmission can occur via licking.
toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Most people infected with the disease do not show symptoms, but others might report flu-like symptoms. Around 350 cases are reported in England and Wales each year, but it’s thought the actual number of infections could be as high as 350,000.
Scabies on dogs is called mange, but contrary to popular belief, you can’t catch the disease from pets.
Reverse zoonosis, or zooanthroponosis, is unusual, though there is evidence that MRSA ( methicillin- resistant staphylococcus aureus) can be transmitted from humans to pets and livestock.
It is possible for cats (not dogs) to catch flu from a human, where the virus attaches to cells in the respiratory tract.
Dr ian Smith, Cambridge.
QUESTION
Following the success of Theodore Roosevelt’s teddy bear, is it true that supporters of William Howard Taft brought out their own range of soft toys? FURtHER to the earlier answer, there was a briefly popular ragtime tune about the Billy Possum and how it would supplant the teddy bear.
Composed by J. B. Cohen, with lyrics by G. A. Scofield, it was called Possum: the Latest Craze (1909). It began: Sence Bill Tafts cum to Wash-ing-ton De Possum’s all de rage. its serv’d in all de Restarants, An all de bes’ Ca-fays. Dat luscus bit of temtin meat. You’re sure to find a treat. An’ it’s now de swellest morsel For most any one to eat. It went on to incorrectly predict: ole Teddy Bar’s a dead one now Sence Bill Possum’s come to town. the refrain also contains a racial term that is not acceptable today.
Justin lowe, Maidenhead, Berks.