Effect of bodychecking on injury rates among minor ice hockey players

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce aggression and injuries among ice hockey players: a systematic review

“…In brief, several studies [19][20][21][22]24,26,[28][29][30][31]34 drew on large samples, such as all hospital visits in multiple Canadian provinces. In some studies, confounding variables were difficult to control because of their retrospective or observational nature; 25,26,30 and only one of the studies was randomized. 33 No studies looked at broader outcomes such as the effects of injury on participation rates in hockey or advancement of players to higher or elite levels of play.…”

“…Seven of the 9 studies showed de creased injury rates. 19,22,24,25,27,28,30 Typical of this group of studies, Regnier and colleagues 19 noted more penalties in games in which bodychecking was allowed, along with a higher risk of serious injury among Peewee players (age 11-12 years). Macpherson and colleagues 24 found that injury rates in boys' minor hockey in Ontario and Quebec were higher in leagues in which bodychecking was allowed than in leagues in which it was not allowed.…”

Concussion in youth ice hockey: It's time to break the cycle

“…25 A 2004 study sponsored by the Canadian Hockey Association (now Hockey Canada) concluded that bodychecking "can be taught at the younger age levels in a manner that does not lead to a higher incidence of injuries." 27 Several studies have confirmed, however, that injury rates rise dramatically when bodychecking is introduced, [5][6][7]21,28 that players typically sustain their first concussion within a year of starting bodychecking 4 and that education in "proper" bodychecking technique does not reduce rates of injury. 6 The evidence strongly suggests that substantial harm may result from teaching youth players bodychecking at an earlier age.…”

“…27 Several studies have confirmed, however, that injury rates rise dramatically when bodychecking is introduced, [5][6][7]21,28 that players typically sustain their first concussion within a year of starting bodychecking 4 and that education in "proper" bodychecking technique does not reduce rates of injury. 6 The evidence strongly suggests that substantial harm may result from teaching youth players bodychecking at an earlier age. 5,6,28 USA Hockey, the governing body for minor hockey in the United States, permits bodychecking at the Peewee level (ages 11-12), but is currently considering a rule change to raise the age to the Bantam level (ages [13][14], based on a recommendation by the USA Hockey Player Development Sub-committee on Body Checking.…”

“…6 The evidence strongly suggests that substantial harm may result from teaching youth players bodychecking at an earlier age. 5,6,28 USA Hockey, the governing body for minor hockey in the United States, permits bodychecking at the Peewee level (ages 11-12), but is currently considering a rule change to raise the age to the Bantam level (ages [13][14], based on a recommendation by the USA Hockey Player Development Sub-committee on Body Checking. 29 The proposed change is motivated by two factors.…”