realskiers

Hey Liam,

I agree with the spirit of what you are saying - there is no subsitute for personal responsibility. 

Relative to the ski area and the new rule that all patrollers wear helmets - I think there are a few factors and at least some of them have to do with lawyers, insurance companies, and OSHA.  For employees of the area (not sure if us volunteers count on this) there gets to be an OSHA issue relative to the question of what is proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the 'job'.  I'm guessing that the lawyers have gotten involved on this question, and the insurer for the area wants to limit exposure to workers comp cases as well as potential lawsuits (they didn't tell me I had to protect my head).  So, there is probably some CYA stuff going on.  Don't think that this is going to please everyone, but you can't fight city hall.  (Well, you can fight, but winning is another matter)

The other thing that has the potential to be awkward is when we are called to go and police the terrain park for kids that aren't wearing helmets.  It's certainly not my favorite job, but it would be a little more awkward if I didn't have one on. 

I'm OK with the rule, but understand that not everyone will be.  That's life.  At least they are not saying that the public all has to wear helmets.  Relative to the kids - Gary I'm with you.  I've changed our kid's diapers for one period of their lives already.  I don't think that any parent wants to go through that again with their adololescent or adult kids due to a preventable traumatic brain injury.  Any parent that signs off on their kids not wearing helmets should have to watch a video detailing the potential outcomes.  Everyone says - 'it won't happen to me', and it doesn't, until it does.  The potential is there for all of us. 

'Nuff rant from my end.

John