Thanks fellas!!!!

I appreciate this comment very much Curts, because I think we are both starting to get somewhere here. You are starting to see portions of my points, and I’m seeing portions of yours.

My reaction to the woody is to simply make them illegal if this is such an issue. If ANYTIME a guy brings out a woody, he is going to slash people, make them illegal. If the people can’t play nicely with wooden sticks, take them away. THe native players may use them out of love for the game, but most of the white guys just use them to slash. Why leave that in the game?

Are we leaving woodies in the game just so people have a reason to fight? It’s like saying shafts made out of steel are illegal. That would make sense, especially if people only used them to injure each other.

You argue fighting is needed to clean that stuff up, but why not just make woodies illegal if they are SUCH A BIG ISSUE, as you seem to suggest.

ANd if it’s not a woodie. SOmeone slashes you on the knee with a regular stick… well that’s just life in lacrosse! You get slashed, especially if you are a great offensive player. Sometimes you get injured. And when the other team goes after you really bad, you send out your checking line and check them back. But WHY IS FIGHTING REQUIRED? How does further escalation help with de-escalation? Or is that not the point? If it’s not, I struggle to see how fighting has any part in the game other than you and the fans and players liking it?

It’s time to MAN UP and take responsibility for what you have already said above. Stop making excuses, Curtis. GIve me a REAL reason why fighting is required to go down the way it does.
I say that I THINK fighting is stupid. That is my opinion. I’m sorry if you don’t agree. But all that I truly ADVOCATE for (read my post again and you all will see that this is true) is less fighting, and using it as a true policing tactic, instead of what it is now: a joke.
Everyone always says Canadian box players are so tough but I’m really starting to doubt that, especially after the whiny responses I’ve gotten here from you guys. Little kids and spoiled pro athletes fight in games… men just play the game. And I know there are some Canadians out there who agree with me on that… and THEY played the game. So where does that leave you guys? Your argument is that I NEVER Played Can BoxLax, so I can’t know. But people who have done that think I’m right too… but go ahead, toss out their thoughts as “Irrelevant”. What a joke of an argument you’ve put forward here.

You define toughness as dropping the mittens. I define it as taking a cheap shot, scoring a goal and then still shaking the other guy’s hand after the game because I’m the bigger person.

Cue the “broker knee cap with a slash” stories. You know what, actually don’t, because they are BS.

If you have a guy out there who slashes people in the knee with the intent to injure, kick him out of the league for good. He’s not doing our sport any good and we should cut him out. It’s better than someone having to go fight him every game. The latter idea is straight up ridiculous and reminds me of… MMA. Get real.

Your last paragraph – a good one actually! I guess I would initially say it’s not that fair…You got me there. So, with the refs doing their job properly, and not having self policing(like you said), IF the guy using the woody chopped someones leg, then he would get a penalty right? Right! Because that’s how it’s supposed to go according to the rules.

Ah, but see the problem now? Your best scorers been beaten over the knee with a wood stick. He now can’t play in for the rest of playoffs… At this point, who gives a shit if he got a penalty- no one! Suspension? Still doesn’t matter -doesn’t bring your star back. It’s more important to take care of the boys, than worry about a penalty, and it’s ludicrous to think refs can control everything. They can’t. Just like police can’t.

Like I’ve said before – just because penalties are there, doesn’t mean someone won’t go for a crippling “dirty” the odd time. This is where fighting comes in. People, regardless of the consequences, will do bad things, every so often. Can’t expect to keep everyone in line by having words on paper (rulebooks), or even law for that matter! Sometimes it needs to be done.

So, taking into account all these factors, I would change my initial statement, and say that, yes, it is fair. The wood-stick team knew what they were doing, and they got what was coming to them. I know Brascia and Foxxy can vouch for this sort of thing, and even provide their own example, or two! Hope this provides some sort of insight. It is box season man, there’s tons of games goin on, I suggest maybe going to watch heaps. Maybe it would shine some light on some things you may not be getting.

Your last paragraph – a good one actually! I guess I would initially say it’s not that fair…You got me there. So, with the refs doing their job properly, and not having self policing(like you said), IF the guy using the woody chopped someones leg, then he would get a penalty right? Right! Because that’s how it’s supposed to go according to the rules.

Ah, but see the problem now? Your best scorers been beaten over the knee with a wood stick. He now can’t play in for the rest of playoffs… At this point, who gives a shit if he got a penalty- no one! Suspension? Still doesn’t matter -doesn’t bring your star back. It’s more important to take care of the boys, than worry about a penalty, and it’s ludicrous to think refs can control everything. They can’t. Just like police can’t.

Like I’ve said before – just because penalties are there, doesn’t mean someone won’t go for a crippling “dirty” the odd time. This is where fighting comes in. People, regardless of the consequences, will do bad things, every so often. Can’t expect to keep everyone in line by having words on paper (rulebooks), or even law for that matter! Sometimes it needs to be done.

So, taking into account all these factors, I would change my initial statement, and say that, yes, it is fair. The wood-stick team knew what they were doing, and they got what was coming to them. I know Brascia and Foxxy can vouch for this sort of thing, and even provide their own example, or two! Hope this provides some sort of insight. It is box season man, there’s tons of games goin on, I suggest maybe going to watch heaps. Maybe it would shine some light on some things you may not be getting.

Your last paragraph – a good one actually! I guess I would initially say it’s not that fair…You got me there. So, with the refs doing their job properly, and not having self policing(like you said), IF the guy using the woody chopped someones leg, then he would get a penalty right? Right! Because that’s how it’s supposed to go according to the rules.

Ah, but see the problem now? Your best scorers been beaten over the knee with a wood stick. He now can’t play in for the rest of playoffs… At this point, who gives a shit if he got a penalty- no one! Suspension? Still doesn’t matter -doesn’t bring your star back. It’s more important to take care of the boys, than worry about a penalty, and it’s ludicrous to think refs can control everything. They can’t. Just like police can’t.

Like I’ve said before – just because penalties are there, doesn’t mean someone won’t go for a crippling “dirty” the odd time. This is where fighting comes in. People, regardless of the consequences, will do bad things, every so often. Can’t expect to keep everyone in line by having words on paper (rulebooks), or even law for that matter! Sometimes it needs to be done.

So, taking into account all these factors, I would change my initial statement, and say that, yes, it is fair. The wood-stick team knew what they were doing, and they got what was coming to them. I know Brascia and Foxxy can vouch for this sort of thing, and even provide their own example, or two! Hope this provides some sort of insight. It is box season man, there’s tons of games goin on, I suggest maybe going to watch heaps. Maybe it would shine some light on some things you may not be getting.

Your last paragraph – a good one actually! I guess I would initially say it’s not that fair…You got me there. So, with the refs doing their job properly, and not having self policing(like you said), IF the guy using the woody chopped someones leg, then he would get a penalty right? Right! Because that’s how it’s supposed to go according to the rules.

Ah, but see the problem now? Your best scorers been beaten over the knee with a wood stick. He now can’t play in for the rest of playoffs… At this point, who gives a shit if he got a penalty- no one! Suspension? Still doesn’t matter -doesn’t bring your star back. It’s more important to take care of the boys, than worry about a penalty, and it’s ludicrous to think refs can control everything. They can’t. Just like police can’t.

Like I’ve said before – just because penalties are there, doesn’t mean someone won’t go for a crippling “dirty” the odd time. This is where fighting comes in. People, regardless of the consequences, will do bad things, every so often. Can’t expect to keep everyone in line by having words on paper (rulebooks), or even law for that matter! Sometimes it needs to be done.

So, taking into account all these factors, I would change my initial statement, and say that, yes, it is fair. The wood-stick team knew what they were doing, and they got what was coming to them. I know Brascia and Foxxy can vouch for this sort of thing, and even provide their own example, or two! Hope this provides some sort of insight. It is box season man, there’s tons of games goin on, I suggest maybe going to watch heaps. Maybe it would shine some light on some things you may not be getting.

And quit trying to make brawls and fights
into the same thing, same goes for 2on1 fighting. Those are all separate
things, so leave them as such. Also, you’re not gonna raise better
points than we are, we were born from this game, and we breathe it. You may be able to add to your 147votes or whatever with an agreeing audience elsewhere. With a lack of experience from a European league, your opinion on the CLA’s box game is really no more credible than a passer-by’s . Seasoned players will continue to roast your every point with detailed stories of what has happened to them over the years.

This article and site, I assure you, lost a ton of respect from many respected lacrosse players. Good job.

Yes, this game was physically
out of control from poor reffing from the start, but ultimately, the
players have to fend for themselves. A team that can outscore any other
but is physically intimated, will ultimately see their season end early,
especially in playoff box lacrosse. This is one of the BEST parts of
box lacrosse. It is not as simple as being the most talented or the
toughest. The only way to go far in this sport is to have a combination
of both. With that being said, those teams are also usually the most fun
to watch and the views and ‘likes’ reflect that.

These kids
experienced a few minutes of absolute anarchy, but ON THEIR OWN -’cause
you can’t say the officials helped- they settled down and returned to
their benches. Some suffered injuries and suspensions, but they have a
learning experience they could never be taught. As “out of place” these
events look in the sport, they will bring both of these teams closer as a
family without a shred of doubt.

And it doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.

If you spent 1, even a 1/2 of a season playing Can/Am or Sr. of some sort in Canada or the North East US, there is no doubt in my mind that you will see the passion, value, and respect that fighting has in the game. Until then, it is silly to even go back and forth about this or even for you to post about fighting. Because frankly, you’ve never been a part of a league that sanctions it. We as Canadians understand the fact that there is NO fighting in field, so be it. On the other hand, you need to understand, that you don’t understand Canadian Box.
to make my point about you claiming I just don’t get it, but I figured you’d know what I was talking about.
And yes, I said I personally find fighting stupid and needless, I also admitted that it could serve a purpose, if it were reined in quite a bit. Allowing the players to police themselves just isn’t something I’m interested in. It’s why there are rules and refs, but if it is an important and historic part of the game, I’m willing to listen… so I look forward to your post!

Basically, for me, it comes down to this. If a sport does not allow fighting (or at least doesn’t promote it), when something escalates, it will often only escalate to a fight. The brawl will be rare (except baseball, but come on.). But when the fight is acceptable, the brawl, 2 on 1 fights, and even more cheap shots become the logical next step. I’ve seen more lacrosse brawls than basketball brawls, and bball is a MUCH bigger sport. Same goes for soccer or even American football.

I think fighting could be done away with, but in the end recognize that maybe it does have a place in the game. All I’m really arguing for is that fights serve a real purpose, and aren’t just some free for all where people fight because they are losing big or because they are less talented, or because it’s what they do.

For me, the fighting is over the top. There is too much of it, and its purported purpose of “self policing” is far from the only way it is used. I just think it takes away from the game itself.

The biggest point that falsifies your argument is that sanctioned in game fighting leads to brawls like the viral YouTube video.

You are using a random occurrence in box lacrosse, an occurrence that just as randomly happens in non-fighting sports, to argue against fighting.

And, then at the end of your post you say fighting is OK… if it is in the first period… every once and a while…

I realize it is summer, but leave your flip flops on your feet.

I have a rebuttal coming that will be up on Lax Beauty.

ARE YOU SERIOUS WITH THIS CURTIS? He picked up a woody, DID NOTHING wrong, and got beat up by a thug for a captain? Sweet.

Which is better, slashing someone or punching them in the face? You’d go with punching clearly, even if the guy hadn’t slashed anyone. THIS is how violence escalates, especially when it’s pared with poor reffing. Guys policing themselves!

The captain from the winning team decided the guy with the woodie was guilty before he ever did ANYTHING. Is that justice, Curtis? Is that fair?

What don’t I understand about Canadian Box Lacrosse? The fact that there is fighting? Is that what I’m missing out on?

Honestly, I don’t really mind a fight once in a while, and I can see how they have some value, IF it is regulated. But this brawling stuff is STUPID AND COWARDLY, and yes, you are brushing it off.

Brawls like the one above ARE a big deal, but you can keep saying, “it’s just a part of Canadian box lax man… you just don’t get it” However, that’s the weakest argument I’ve ever heard from you. Do better.

When the people police themselves, problems arise. That’s what police and refs are for! Look at all the problems stand your ground laws have created in the US… people policing other people for what THEY view as a wrong. It’s biased and ridiculous. The refs need to call it tighter and do a better job and suspensions need to be longer for dirty players.

Or do you want to keep fighting so players can still play dirty? Is that the point of fighting?

Seriously, I need much better than “you just don’t get it”… HELP me understand, make ONCE compelling argument. I dare you.

You are just using rare occurrence to once again bash fighting. You had an eye opening and wonderful experience plating real box lacrosse in Europe. If you spent 1, even a 1/2 of a season playing Can/Am or Sr. of some sort in Canada or the North East US, there is no doubt in my mind that you will see the passion, value, and respect that fighting has in the game. Until then, it is silly to even go back and forth about this or even for you to post about fighting. Because frankly, you’ve never been a part of a league that sanctions it. We as Canadians understand the fact that there is NO fighting in field, so be it. On the other hand, you need to understand, that you don’t understand Canadian Box. No one is trying to brush this under the table that is exactly why there were countless suspension. But it is seriously no big deal. If the video was taken on a shit old flip phone, was grainy, and had shitty sound, it wouldn’t have gotten a wink of press. Because the brawl was as clear as day, and easily viewable, people exploited it, and made fighting, box lacrosse, and these kids out to be hooligans.