“Helmets and Gloves” — Ask About This Risky Game

In an editorial, physicians in Canada describe a game called “Helmets and Gloves” (or locker boxing) in which two opponents (usually adolescent hockey or lacrosse players) don gloves and helmets with cages and strike one another on the head. They also summarize three cases of adolescents who presented with concussive symptoms after engaging in the activity.

Matches, which usually occur in secrecy in locker rooms and which are viewed as a test of toughness, consist of about three rounds and conclude when one player’s helmet is knocked off. Some participants seem to be aware of the hazards associated with this activity, including concussion, whereas others downplay the risks. Participants might view the activity as less dangerous because they …