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Safety Concerns Delay SIFL Houma Kickoff

April 26, 2009 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) News Release


HOUMA, La. (April 26, 2009) - With player safety the paramount concern, Sunday's Southern Indoor Football League game between the Austin Turfcats and Houma Conquerors was delayed until acceptable conditions were in place.

SIFL Comissioner Dam J. Blum along with the officiating crew of Tommy Garrett, Troy Savage, Tony Meyer, Daniel Gautreaux and Jesse Dupuy at first deemed the game system unplayable due to areas of the walls not having dasher pads, which could have caused an unnecessary injury risk.

Thanks to the assistance of the Terrebone Civic Center and Houma's booster club, additional pads were located at South Terrebone High School. The pads were transported to the Civic Center and inserted. Kickoff took place at 7 p.m. CST - two hours behind schedule.

``We are extremely grateful to our partners here at Houma,'' Blum said. ``An 11th hour miracle happened and we were able to have a football game.

``It would have been a setback not to have a game, but as commissioner, I'm responsible to insure that our players are as safe as possible,'' Blum added. ``The SIFL will never, ever compromise player safety or the integrity of the game for the sake of convenience or agenda. On behalf of the SIFL staff, I extend my appreciation to the Houma fans for their patience and understanding.'' Houma owner Franklin Thomas had ordered pads for the opener, but the expected Friday arrival of the shipment forced Thomas to scramble and borrow pads from the Acadiana Mudbugs' system.

``Had we known, we would have brought a truck with our pads to assist,'' said Austin General Manager Ron Oswalt. ``We're all in this together.''

SIFL President Thom Hager remained in contact with Blum and his staff at Houma in order to insure a proper resolution of the situation.

``The true spirit of sports was on display today, '' Hager said. ``Everyone went above the call of duty today and as a result, over 3,000 fans will be treated to a great football game that is administrated properly.''

This was the final game of the SIFL's second week of operation.



Southern Indoor Football League Stories from April 26, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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