In an email to Tony Czifra, in response to the ongoing debate around
helmets, Gerry Trott, ex-President of the NRHA, Ex-England Player at all
levels and also Office Bearing in the CERH & CIRH had this to say : “Dear
Tony, I share the sentiments of the NRHA regarding the NON-USE of helmets
in our sport.

They are not necessary in my opinion. Leave them to the ICE HOCKEY and
IN-LINE HOCKEY brigades. I first came up against them while refereeing in
the United States in 1980. Some guy came on the rink with an ice-hockey
helmet on. I immediately told him to get it off. My experience is: (1)
The players don’t like them or want to wear them. (2) I see no evidence
gained over 50 years in the sport that they are necessary. Head injuries
are very rare. (3) Our brand of Roller Hockey looks far better, in my
opinion, because we don’t have to clobber up like ice hockey players and
try and maime each other. (4) Leave helmets to the cissies like the
American Footballers. I remember having to put up a real fight in the early
80’s to stop them making referees wear the black and white stripped shirt.
I argued that it made them look like clowns, ice hockey and base ball
referees……..and I won the day. Regards, Gerry”

Tony Czifra then said to PRH…….I’m pleased it’s not just today’s
players who do not want to wear these helmets – obviously some of our Life
Members – without whom, today we would not have a sport – had to overcome
the same arguments we are facing today.

More info:
Reporter: Kos Galtos