WADA World Conference on Doping

On November 22^nd, 2013 the fourth world conference on doping in sport was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, following three full days discussing and debating the future of anti-doping in sport.

In the World Conference, there were major discussions about the sport movement, public authorities, anti-doping community, athletes, coaches and the media converge; it was considered a success. One of the discussions surrounded the topic on how they will be tackling the most pressing issue facing sport today, doping.  Doping in sport is by far the largest issue within sport and WADA is trying to do everything in their power to make sports more “equal”. New tests are constantly being created and more tests are testing positive. They are also testing old samples from previous games and finding new results. Technology is becoming so advanced that it may or may not catch up with the technology that’s creating new performance enhancing drugs.

The new 2015 World Anti-Doping Code and four International Standards were revealed during the fourth world conference. WADA’s main goal at the conference is to work towards their ultimate goal, keeping sport athletes clean. The event was notable for the strong levels of support for the proposed themes of the 2015 Code. Past and present athletes acknowledged their commitment to stronger doping sanctions, specifically the increase from two- to four-year bans for athletes caught doping from January 1, 2015. There was also widespread recognition for the need to allow WADA to retain its independent role in anti-doping in sport.

Everyday there is constant news regarding doping in sport and new athletes getting caught or coming clean to media. I feel like athletes are slowly starting to reduce the usage of performance enhancing drugs because they feel like they are going to get caught sooner or later. However, we do not know what technology has to offer in the future regarding the creation of drugs and detection of drugs. Therefore, I feel like some athletes will continue to press their luck and try to get away with it. Several surveys and questionnaires with athletes have been done and the consensus is that athletes would rather use performance-enhancing drugs to win and become famous, rather than compete naturally and not win. With this being said, athletes are willing to do whatever it takes to win and become famous, whether it’s harmful to their body or not OR getting caught in the future. I think the bigger issue within sport is not the WADA framework or tests being used, but more so the way athletes see the sport itself. I feel like there should be two different types of contests, one being natural and one being open. Of course this bring much controversy to the sport but matter of the fact is, fans and viewers want to see the fastest runners in the word and the most freaks within specific sports. By allowing athletes to use PED would make an open event a fair playing field. But at the same time, having a natural event would bring controversy with doping once again. What do you think should be done?

http://playtrue.wada-ama.org/news/world-conference-on-doping-in-sport-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=world-conference-on-doping-in-sport-review

New $325-Million Arena in Markham

Over the past decade there have been many National Hockey League (NHL) teams in financial turmoil.  For what is a multi-billion dollar industry there are many teams who barely scrape by and even loves millions of dollars yearly.  This has caused the NHL executives to look at possible cities for relocations and new ownership groups. This article discusses how the City of Markham is planning on building a $325-million arena to house an NHL team for expansion of the league or a relocation of a team that is in financial difficulty.  They are planning to do this with both public and private money, but with absolutely no guarantee or even possibility of getting team in the near future.

An important point not mentioned in this article is that the Toronto Maple Leafs own the City of Markham’s rights and earn revenues from the city. An NHL team in Markham would cause the Toronto Maple Leafs, the league’s most profitable team, to lose numerous fans and money. This money would come not only in the form of ticket sales, but sponsorship, advertising and memorabilia as well. I do understand how large the hockey market is in the Greater Toronto Region; however, from a league and policy view, I think if Ontario was to receive another NHL franchise a city like Hamilton or London should receive more attention than another team in the vicinity of Toronto. There are even hockey markets in the United Sates, where the NHL would like to increase revenues from, that could house an NHL franchise, such as Seattle or Las Vegas.

I would personally love to see another NHL franchise in Ontario, or in Markham, but from a league view on the situation, it does not make any sense. Why the City of Markham would even attempt a project of this financial magnitude confuses me, even more so since Gary Bettman has publicly told the city that they will not be receiving a team.

Sources:

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/12/01/with-slim-chance-of-landing-nhl-team-markham-arena-project-somewhere-between-risky-and-outright-insane/

http://www.forbes.com/nhl-valuations/list/

Is McDavid Too Young for World Juniors?

Will the success story continue into the new year for Erie Otter star forward Connor McDavid? Born in 1997, McDavid has produced a staggering amount of points at an early age which lead him to receive exceptional status into the OHL last year. Since then he has proved to scouts and players around the league that he has talent beyond his years, and can compete against players far older and bigger than him. This recognition has led McDavid to become Canada’s second (Sidney Crosby being the first)16 year old player to play at the World Junior Hockey Tournament.

Some of the competition are upwards of 4 years older than Connor McDavid which could be a danger to the potential first overall draft pick. Is it too early to have McDavid represent Canada? He might fair well like Crosby did considering his talents, but there is a greater chance of injury when a forward has such an experience disadvantage. McDavid will have many years to return to the IIHF tournament, and will surely be far more ready to play and compete on the world stage in years to come. Furthermore, on the ice McDavid will be a direct target for many big defensemen. I simply don’t understand Hockey Canada’s rush to get McDavid out there and in the publics eye.

He has played internationally at the under 18 hockey tournament, but is nothing like the World Juniors. With millions of people watching McDavid has pressure on him, and as a young teenager I believe that’s not necessary at that age. His statistics in the OHL thus far are tremendously impressive and make me believe he has a chance of success at the World Juniors. The only thing is risking his safety too early…to let him gain a few more years (even a year) would help him in the tournament. sixteen is just too young, its that simple.

Video Replay MLB

Only a few weeks ago baseballs owners elected to institute video replay into the game.  However at this time no one not even the owners who elected to institute this technology knows how it will work.  There have been no decisions made to what extent the technology be used for, for example will it be used for only pitching, how about calling a player safe or out.  Also how often will this technology be used, will we see it correcting umpires at every turn or will it be used like the challenge system in which football and tennis have implemented?

In my opinion baseball needs to use this technology the same way football and tennis have implemented video replay with the challenge system.  Using the challenge system allows for the umpires to continue to do their job with little intrusion.  We do not need to see umpires being overturned constantly by video replay.  However with the challenge system those obvious mistakes can be rendered.  The umpires are only human and do make mistakes but overturning their every call will just make the game look silly.

Video replay can be used to benefit the game.  But it is not long before the season starts, so the owners and players must agree to rules of this system soon.  Hopefully for the good of everyone involved they do not over implement the system and ruin the game.  Baseball needs to find a way to implement the system, hopefully in a way that will not ruin the roots of the game.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/stark_jayson/id/10046815/the-many-questions-surrounding-expanded-replay-mlb

creative blog: Tom Daley comes out as bi-sexual

Tom Daley, an Olympic diver for team Great Britain came out as being bisexual in a youtube video today (December 2, 2013). Ever since the 2012 summer Olympics he has had his sexuality questioned. In the video he addresses the fact that yes he has had girlfriends, but right now he is currently dating a guy and “couldn’t be happier”. He also states that his family has mixed opinions about this, but are supporting him no matter what. Since this announcement he has received an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities praising him for being so brave to announce this in such a public way.

 

I feel that now in 2013 ‘coming out’ shouldn’t be the big deal that it is, and the press making it out to be such a huge news spectacle just keeps adding to the stigma of being a gay athlete. To be clear, I do not have any issue with the LGBT community, I support them wholly, but what I mean is that it is not a big deal if a person is straight so why should it be a big deal if they are gay. Sexual orientation does not affect physical performance, and is something that should not even be considered when judging an athletes performance. Tom Daley is an Olympic diving bronze medalist, and I think that is what he should be known for, not that he is a bi-sexual athlete. He is still a world-class athlete and that is something that will not change no matter who he is dating.  

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2516759/Tom-Daley-comes-out.html

 

 

NHL Expansion: A Good Idea?

There has been some talk about a possible NHL expansion in a couple years and Gary Bettman finally opened up to talk about the possibility. In fact, why wouldn’t Bettman expand in Canada? Clearly Canadians are passionate about the sport and can definitely support a few more NHL teams. The financial future of the NHL is in Canada rather then the USA and the new multi-billion dollar television deal with Rogers definitely supports that. The new broadcasting deal along with the arena-in-progress adds to the strong belief that Quebec is in line for NHL expansion team within the near future. However because of concerns about attracting big sponsors that American cities can offer, Seattle seems like a likely destination for an expansion team as well. Seattle has also been linked to an ownership group that includes former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. It’s believed, however, that if the NHL grows by two teams, the pair will include markets on both sides of the border.

Personally, while I don’t think Seattle would be a bad choice, I believe Canada deserves a chance at getting as many teams as possible. Canada is hockey’s most popular sport by far and the fans deserve more NHL teams. Just look at the success of the Winnipeg Jets compared to other recently added teams. There’s no reason to think that Quebec or another Toronto team could thrive just as the Jets have. Jets owner Mark Chipman has even said he has “no doubt” that Quebec could mirror his team’s success.  Ultimately, Quebec City promises to provide a financially strong business plan, mirroring the Winnipeg Jets and will likely get a team within the near future. However it is unclear if any other Canadian cities will call an NHL team home. What do you think? Do you think the NHL should avoid expanding into USA and add more Canadian teams?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2013/11/25/hockey-go-home/

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2013/11/27/quebecs_nhl_dreams_boosted_by_rogers_deal.html

Rugby Concussion Awareness Lessons at Grass-roots- (Creative Post)

A tragedy in Northern Ireland has raised the issue of education in regards to concussion treatment and management at the grass roots level in rugby. Ben Robinson a fourteen year old died after suffering multiple concussions through the course of a rugby game. He had been involved in several high impact collisions and at one point was lying on the pitch for over one minute receiving treatment. Upon being helped to his feet he was given the all clear to continue playing rather than being substituted. He then suffered a subsequent collision that caused him to collapse; he died later that day in hospital. This tragic event could have been prevented if officials and players were educated about concussions and their symptoms.

Ben’s father has been speaking to the IRB (International Rugby Board) as well as local and national Rugby Football Unions, and school boards in an effort to introduce compulsory education in the school curriculum regarding the symptoms, dangers and treatment of concussions. He has managed to garner support from several doctors that believe the only way to create a safer environment in high contact sports is to educate the youth from the grass-roots level on the dangers of concussions. This is comparable to what was said in a media analysis today regarding the NFL and head shots. The only way to create a safer environment is through education, the NFL need to educate young players on changing their tackling technique and rugby needs to educate their young players on the symptoms and dangers of concussions. A former IRB medical adviser wants mandatory concussion awareness training for all grassroots rugby coaches and players. I could not agree more, such incidences should not be taking place in today’s information abundant world. It is my belief that education and inclusion of mandatory concussion awareness training in schools and clubs is the only option to stop more kids suffering the same fate as Ben Robinson.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25130088

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24554550

Bills in Toronto: Is it a Good Fit?

I found myself watching the most recent Bills game on Sunday. This game was one of Buffalo’s rare games that are played at the Rogers Center in Toronto. This game was headlined by two lackluster teams; the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons. Whenever I watch these games that are played in neutral stadiums I wonder how good of a fit these games actually are.

First of all, the Buffalo Bills lose out on a home game during a crucial time of the season which would determine if they were still in the hunt for the playoffs or if they were on the outside looking in. To make this more clear to how disadvantaged the Bills were in this game compared to if it was a normal home game, lets put it into perspective. This game was December 1st, usually snowing and cold out at Ralph Wilson stadium; they played an indoor game. Now lets look at the Atlanta Falcons home field, the Georgia Dome; very similar to the Rogers Center. From this, it seems that Atlanta would have the upper hand in this bout. As well, the fans are not nearly as in favor of the Bills at this neutral stadium compared to the rowdy stadium-filled seats of Bills fans at Ralph Wilson. This continues to demonstrate the ambiguous home-game that the Bills had. Was it even a home game? I would like to say it was not!

So, who benefited from this game? Well it clearly was not the Buffalo Bills. I would go as far to say that whatever team playing the Bills in Toronto have a slight advantage as they get to play them on neutral grounds rather than at Ralph Wilson Stadium. But ultimately, it is Toronto who benefits from these games. They get to make a push for an NFL team, or potentially make the case for a team to get moved to Toronto. We get big time football and we don’t even have a team! It’s amazing for Toronto, but how does Buffalo let this happen? Were they forced into this settlement or did they just let it happen? They Bills don’t benefit from this game, and from personal experience it upsets there fans back home. It’s like their fans are seeing their team slipping through their fingers slowly moving to a new home. To me, it just doesn’t make sense how the Buffalo Bills allow for this game to happen, and continue to happen. They should be making a statement to keep fighting for their team, their fans, and keep that home field advantage for another game!

Hartley Mendelsohn

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/12/01/buffalo-bills-game-in-toronto-shows-why-city-doesnt-need-to-start-caring-about-team-just-yet/

Varlamov: A Volatile Case for the NHL

I’m all in favour of a good conspiracy theory; they often bring to light an underlying issue which the popular media chooses not to report because it could upset mainstream beliefs. However, the Russian media’s response to the recent criminal charges against Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche goaltender and prospective Sochi 2014 Russian netminder, is one conspiracy theory that I cannot come to appreciate. The Russian media’s response has essentially hinted that the conflict is all part of a sinister plan to derail the nation’s chances at an Olympic hockey medal. Igor Ananskykh of Russia’s Physical Culture Ministry recently said, “The first thing that comes to my mind is that it is an effort to weaken our national team.”

Really? That’s the first thing that comes to mind? A young lady (Varlamov’s girlfriend, Evgeniya Vavrinyul) had been allegedly knocked down, kicked, had her chest stomped on, and dragged by her hair; yet, the first thing to come to mind is the idea that it’s all a ploy against your nation’s Olympic medal hopes.

Across all media, so much more has been made about the suspect and not the victim; perhaps in an effort to respect the victim’s privacy but more likely for the greater interest the public has on the suspect’s career. What does this say of our society’s mindset that concern is mostly given to whether or not the goalie will make his next start? What should be discussed is the crime of abuse and domestic violence that is so rampant. When the final decision has been made by courts, I would hope (if guilty), the scenario might be used as a catalyst to create social conversation on the problems of domestic violence.

I respect the difficult scenario the National Hockey League and Colorado Avalanche find themselves. On one hand, Varlamov has not been penalized by the league or team and has made all of his scheduled starts in net. Given that he has not yet been convicted, maybe it’s fair that he continues to play for the Avalanche. On the other hand, given his involvement in these criminal investigations, what message is the National Hockey League sending by Varlamov remaining unpunished? I would say the NHL is currently enjoying a popular image outside of criminal activity, but their response to this controversy could send the wrong message to fans and players alike about any future potential criminal investigations.

Articles:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/semyon-varlamov-charged-with-3rd-degree-assault-1.2437114

http://o.canada.com/sports/unsportsmanlike-conduct-varlamov-bust-has-russians-raging/

http://www.rawcharge.com/2013/11/28/5155200/semyon-varlamov-domestic-violence-charges-domestic-abuse-society

NHL Goalie Allowed to Continue on Bond

As most are already aware of, Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche had turned himself in following an incident that occurred on October 30th this year. Varlamovs girlfriend in the alleged accusations had reported that Semyon had attacked her in her apartment after a heated altercation which then led the NHL superstar goalie knocking her down with a kick, stomp her chest, and eventually drag her by her hair.

Varlamovs most recent apperance in court (today) resulted in the judge allowing him to remain free on bond while facing domestic charges. The bond is $5000 and has allowed Varlamov to continue to travel with the team and compete in games. This incident can be compared to a recent incident in the NFL involving Aldon Smith who played just a few days after a D.U.I charge. Although there is no policy in place for a convicted player to miss NHL games, is it morally correct to suit up a player who has committed a crime and could be facing two years in jail because of it? I guess it comes down to the power authority in the organization making the decision to play Varlamov who is their number one goalie and has been stellar leading them to victory after victory singe the alleged altercation.

Now Varlamov is not yet proven guilty so therefore in my mind i think that he should be aloud to play as the investigators look further into the allegations and can determine guilt or not. If i am a rival of the Colorado Avalanch and Varlamov is winning games against the teams i cheer for maybe i think differently, What do you think?

Source Link
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/semyon-varlamov-returns-to-denver-court-1.2447670