Kneepad and shin guard definitions

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Comments about this discussion:

Started 18 Mar 10:40

Comment 19 Mar 01:21

I see a possible sticky point in "Shin guards must cover the entire shin". People are going to ask lots of questions about what does this mean? Most of the basic shinpads I've seen cover what generally needs to be covered, but aren't necessarily 100% of the length of the shin. People with long legs especially might be uncovered. But I don't have a good idea off the top of my head for how to word it.

Comment 19 Mar 06:35

Is there a clear definition of shin anyway? The shin is bordered by ankle, knee and calf, but to my knowledge none of these borders is solidly defined. So given the currently proposed text, how would we judge whether the "whole shin" is covered?

I think the current proposal is workable. It prevents someone from covering only half of the shin (whatever that means :-) ).

And hey, people with long legs should have adequate protection too.

Comment 19 Mar 16:43

If we are worried about it we could just put that it must cover the "majority of the shin."

Comment 21 Mar 01:53

"Shin guards must cover the entire shin"

 

 

I think it's OK when removing entire, even if nothing is added.

Comment 24 Mar 05:21

Is it defendable that covering the shin by, say, 99% is a degree of covering, and hence the shin is covered (to some degree)? As in, partly covered is still covered? If that is the case, removing "entire" is an improvement indeed, to make it less strict.

Comment 24 Mar 05:51

My interpretation of shin is the pre-tibial region (skin in front of the tibia).  

I don't think a shin guard which goes all the way from the ankle to the knee is particularly practical, comfortable, or easily obtainable. Most impacts will likely be in the middle 2/3 of the shin.  

Perhaps we can get rid of 'entire shin' and merely say 'shin'.  It could be up to the race director to use their discretion as to whether it is adequate.

This area is terrible for wound healing and infections because of poor blood supply.

Comment 24 Mar 06:58

I agree to Ken, typical Shinguards are short and cover only the shin area inbetween Ankle and Knee like you see it in football. Also Dirt Bike Shinguards are very short to be comfortable and still protective. "entire Shin" is more confusing then helpfull I think. just skin is good for me

Comment 26 Mar 23:42

Thanks for our local doctor to chime in and give us a little more factual background. If we say "entire shin", or 73% of shin or similar, it's impossible to enforce since it's too hard to define the exact start and endpoints of the shin let alone measure and do math on that. Removal of the word "entire" should be the most workable solution here. This puts it back on the officials at the event to determine whether the rider is adequately protected.