Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/374170
RINK ISSUES Look-Up Line PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THOMAS SMITH 34 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2014 RINKMAGAZINE.COM S everal months ago, the Massachusetts Hockey board of directors invited Tom Smith to present his concept on the Look-Up Line and why he felt it was so important in helping make ice hockey a safer sport. After about 30 minutes, many in the room realized that the concept was one that deserved a much closer look. As a result of that presentation, a few members of our executive board started working closely with Tom and learning more about his concept. Discussions were had with rink owners, youth hockey leaders, coaches and players. The one topic that kept coming up was that it was our responsibility to do what we could to create as safe an environment as possible for our membership. We recognize that this is a somewhat significant shift in how we look at increasing safety in our sport. Traditionally, safety issues have been confined to rules changes and/or equipment technology increases. To explore the addition of markings on the ice surface that don't impact the actual rules and course of play is uncommon to say the least. But there are visual markings used in many other facets of our daily lives that assist us in our decision-making process. As you drive down the highway, there is a yellow line that is painted along the left side of the outermost lane. It is there to alert drivers that they are at the edge of their allotted space. It helps drivers safely navigate the roadway. The line does not prevent a car from leaving the road — that responsibility is still on the driver — but it acts as a guide and can play a role in keeping drivers safe. The Look-Up Line may provide a similar guide. It is not our belief that the installation of the line will eliminate all injuries. Like many things in life, there is Hockey's New Warning Track? Massachusetts Hockey and the Look-Up Line could reshape the way we approach safety by KEVIN KAVANAGH , Thomas Smith, co-founder of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation.