Hockey is a very popular sport among Canadian children and youth. But while there are many health benefits to physical activity and playing sports, hockey-related injuries are on the rise, especially concussions. The most common reason for a hockey injury is body checking.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that body checking be banned from recreational (non-competitive) ice hockey for all children and youth, regardless of age.
- In competitive leagues, body checking should be delayed until players are at least 15 years old.
Does the CPS recommend against body contact as well?
No. Body contact and body checking are different:
- Body contact is a player’s defensive move to block someone from the other team who has the puck. The player moves to stop the puck carrier anywhere on the ice by skating, angling, stick checking or with body-positioning. The defensive player does not hit the puck carrier but places his body in the way of the puck carrier. The puck carrier cannot be pushed, hit or shoved into the boards.
- Body checking is a defensive move where a player tries to separate the puck from a player on the other team. During a check, the defensive player purposefully uses his upper body to hit the puck carrier with force while moving in the opposite or same direction.
Body checking is taught based on a four-step skills development program by Hockey Canada.
At what age is body checking allowed?
- As of September 2013, Hockey Canada states that body checking should be introduced at the bantam level(U15).
- Body checking in bantam level hockey has been eliminated in many less-competitive Canadian leagues.
- Body checking is not allowed in girls-onlyhockey.
How can I protect my child or teen?
- Your child or teen should always wear a CSA International-certified hockey helmet while playing hockey.
- Encourage them to wear a mouthguard. Some recent studies have shown that they may decrease the risk of concussion.
- Children who learn play and sport skills at an age- and stage-appropriate level are less likely to be injured.
- Talk to your child or teen about the importance of fair play and non-violence in sports.
- Make sure that your child or teen notifies their coach or trainer if they are injured, and only return to sport/play when it is safe to do so.
- Read our detailed information for players, parents, trainers and coaches on sport-related concussion. Everyone involved in sports should know the risks, symptoms/signs and how to manage a concussion.
More information from the CPS
Reviewed by the following CPS committees
- Injury Prevention Committee
Last updated: January 2023
I've delved into the article, and it seems like the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) is quite concerned about the rising trend of hockey-related injuries, particularly concussions, among Canadian children and youth. The evidence supporting their recommendations is compelling, with a focus on the impact of body checking on player safety.
The CPS recommends banning body checking from recreational (non-competitive) ice hockey for all children and youth, regardless of age. In competitive leagues, they advise delaying the introduction of body checking until players reach at least 15 years old. This evidence-based approach aligns with the growing understanding of the potential risks associated with early exposure to body checking.
It's interesting to note that the CPS differentiates between body contact and body checking. Body contact is considered a defensive move to block the puck carrier without actively hitting them, focusing on positioning and stick checking. On the other hand, body checking involves intentionally using the upper body to hit the puck carrier with force.
The article also provides insight into the development of body checking skills through Hockey Canada's four-step skills development program, emphasizing the introduction of body checking at the bantam level (U15) as of September 2013. However, it's worth noting that some less-competitive Canadian leagues have eliminated body checking at the bantam level.
For parents looking to protect their child or teen, the CPS recommends ensuring the use of CSA International-certified hockey helmets and encouraging the use of mouthguards, which recent studies suggest may reduce the risk of concussion. The emphasis on age-appropriate skill development is crucial, as children who learn play and sport skills at suitable levels are less likely to sustain injuries.
In addition to protective gear and skill development, the CPS advocates for discussions with children and teens about the importance of fair play and non-violence in sports. Communication with coaches or trainers regarding injuries is emphasized, with a strong recommendation to only return to sport/play when it is safe to do so.
To further assist parents, players, trainers, and coaches, the article provides detailed information on sport-related concussions, ensuring that everyone involved in sports is well-informed about the risks, symptoms, signs, and proper concussion management. This comprehensive approach aligns with the CPS's commitment to injury prevention and player well-being.
