While there are plenty of no-check men's leagues, at least they have a choice in the matter. Men's NCAA (college) hockey allows checking, while women's NCAA hockey does not.

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i remember during my third season some idiot doctor was trying to find medical evidence that linked soft tissue breast injury to breast cancer to back up the no-check rule for girls hockey... i never found out if he discovered one or not. it seemed pretty stupid to me though.

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Anyway, now that there is so much more equipment tailored to women (versus when we used to just have to wear men's equipment), it's even less of an issue. My shoulder pads have pretty substantial chest protection built in.

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You're right, maybe it's not sexist in a strict interpretation, but it is discriminatory, as doctors with more knowledge have said it wouldn't be an issue.

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but yeah, this doctor was hell bent on protecting us from ourselves. he practiced near where i grew up, too, which is an area full of doctors and good hospitals. i didn't care at the time (i was too busy crying, 'sexism! sexism!') but now i'd be interested to know what other doctors in the area thought of him... i asked my dad about it and he just shrugged and said that he doubted the research would be conclusive.

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I mean, I've heard about seriously bad health issues related to implants bursting, but still...is it any worse than your head being beat in?

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As someone in the 32B-32C range I am trying to get my min around this implant... it must be teeny tiny, as there is not that big of a difference between the two sizes.

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I am wondering if, because the "turtle shell" maybe wouldn't provide the sufficient coverage, if doctors are recommending a more chest-plate type of protector (think Zena Warrior Princess in plastic under a sports bra) which could be construed as an advantage over an opponent cause it covers more of the sides, which are great areas to score points.

Also: I was barred from boxing in a tournament simply because my peak flow (breathing test for asthmatics) was down by less than 50 points. Was I pissed? Yes, but it was in the best interest of my health. Boxing is a risky sport, but the intent isn't to beat the living shit out of each other and injure people beyond repair - it's to score points with precision and technique. Sure, you can get injured in the process, but hopefully if you have a good enough defense, you'll be able to score more points (punches) on your opponent than they will on you, and walk away with nothing more than a few bruises.

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And yeah, I know, I was more like going on a rant about boob protectors, not so much directed at you but because you brought it up, I just started commenting. Sometimes I get a little carried away....

And while I am sure the gel ones don't leak, I do have to wonder how high of an impact they've been tested at. Not many people (or I would hope) with breast implants, frequently receive high-impact blows to them on a daily basis, so maybe it's one of those situations.

That being said, if they can prove that she'll be fine healthwise, she should be able to box.

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i feel sick watching people beat the crap out of each other...

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I DO NOT spar. My neurologist does not want me getting hit in the head, because of my epilepsy. But regular old beat the shit out of a bag by throwing a fabulous hook -- LOVE IT.

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I throw my combinations. Over and over over again. Until they feel perfect. Then I put force into them. Over and over and over again. The timer buzzes. I stop. Then on to the next combo. And again.

There's something extremely calming about the whole process.

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