I had a mtn bike accident similar to yours Peter, only I manged to have my head avoid the bike, but the rib cage did not. I had to walk the bike back to my house about 2 miles. I didn't even realize I had broken ribs till I went to see the doctor a few days later due to a burning sensation in my ribs and a clicking noise every time I took a deep breath. The accident happened on a Friday and I went camping in a tent that weekend, followed by a trip to the doctor on the Monday. My wife said I snored the absolute worst I have ever done during that weekend and the subsequent camping trip the following weekend.
Dean , I have also noticed more players wear a little padding as well as the helmets these days.