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February 25, 2011 at 5:49 am #3658

hockeygod

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Ban bodychecking? Absolutely

By Kim Gray Thursday, Feb 24 2011
Kim Gray's Modern Family Blog

Here's something to think about if you haven't been following the news and you happen to be a hockey parent.

Bodychecking is legal at 11 years old across Canada – except in Quebec.

Bodychecking is not permitted in La Belle Province until the kids are 13 years of age.

A recent University of Calgary study showed that Alberta Pee Wee leagues (where kids are 11 and 12 years old) suffered 73 concussions over the same period of time only 20 of these injuries occurred in Quebec among the same age group.

Curiously, USA Hockey – a body which governs U.S. amateur hockey – will be voting on a proposed rule to ban bodychecking nationwide until players turn 13 years old.

This vote, to take place in June, is in part a response to the Canadian study just referenced.

Chief medical officer for USA Hockey – Michael Stuart – has said he's concerned younger players don't have the physical and mental awareness required to execute safe and legal bodychecks, which results in risky and sometimes damaging collisions on ice between players.

All factors considered, it seems a country-wide decision to ban bodychecking until players are 13 is a no-brainer.

Care to comment?

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
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