Traditional youth hockey age group names — novice, peewee, atom, bantam and, most notably, midget — could soon be revised as at least one provincial hockey organization has kick started the process that could eventually create a countrywide adjustment in the sport.
BC Hockey says that age-specific categories may be an easier classification system than division names
Gregory Strong · The Canadian Press
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Traditional youth hockey age group names — novice, peewee, atom, bantam and, most notably, midget — could soon be revised as at least one provincial hockey organization has kick started the process that could eventually create a countrywide adjustment in the sport.
At a meeting this week, BC Hockey's board of directors discussed the topic of division names used by its minor hockey association members. The subject was raised in part due to other sport organizations moving to eliminate the term 'midget,' but also because a potential shift to age-specific categories [U15, U17, etc.]may prove to be an easier classification system, an association spokesman said.
"The BC Hockey board has directed staff to make recommendations for new names to be implemented within the BC Hockey membership [British Columbia and the Yukon]," BC Hockey CEO Barry Petrachenko said in an email to The Canadian Press. "These recommendations will also be brought forward for consideration to the Hockey Canada membership for implementation nationally.
"Work has begun on developing these recommendations and a decision by the BC Hockey board regarding this topic is expected in the new year."
Midget a derogatory slur?
Athletics Canada recently said it would pursue dropping the term "midget" as an age category descriptor, a move that came a few days after the Ontario Basketball Association stated its plans to do the same. The term has been used for decades in a variety of sports but many consider it to be a derogatory slur.
Allan Redford, the director of the Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada, applauded the recent developments and hopes others may follow suit.
"I'm actually wonderfully encouraged that they're taking this approach and that it's getting this much traction," Redford said Wednesday. "I'm very, very pleased."
Hockey Canada, the sport's national governing body, has 13 members — essentially provincial/territorial or regional organizations — across the country. On a national level, any adjustments to age categories or divisions require a regulation change brought forward by a member or the Hockey Canada board.
That could happen at the next scheduled members' meeting in May or at Hockey Canada's annual congress next fall.
"What I would perceive based on the publicity associated with the terminology as we're currently using, is that that would be an entirely likely situation, that it would come before our members and therefore our board," said Hockey Canada senior vice-president Glen McCurdie, who helps oversee safety and regulations.
In email replies, Hockey PEI and Hockey Quebec said they would be reviewing their category setups with their respective memberships. The Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Hockey Manitoba, meanwhile, said they do not have plans to put anything forward to Hockey Canada.
There was no immediate response from the other hockey organizations contacted via email by The Canadian Press.
Other leagues use age categories
The International Ice Hockey Federation currently uses age designators as does USA Hockey, which dropped the use of traditional terms for the 2016-17 season.
Hockey Canada classifies the midget category as players who are under 18 as of Dec. 31 of the current season. Bantam is for athletes under 15, with peewee, atom and novice used as classifications for younger players. Some organizations use descriptors like minor midget and major midget as well.
The midget category is also used by some youth football organizations across Canada. While age descriptors are used at that sport's national level, Football Canada executive director Shannon Donovan said the organization would be reviewing the subject with its board and provincial members.
Regina Scott of Guelph, Ont., who has a two-year-old son with dwarfism, helped make a change at her local youth basketball association after noticing the term on a banner at a mall earlier this month.
The association quickly took steps to make changes and the OBA got on board. Basketball Canada, which already uses age category descriptors, supported the moves.
Redford, who's also president of the Little People of Ontario, said the word's use as a slur originates from the oppression and exploitation of people with dwarfism in "freak shows" in the mid-1800's.
"The line is that it's not about sensitivity, it's not about being a snowflake, it's about awareness, acceptance and respect," Redford said. "It comes right back to taking control over being and the right of self-identification."
As an avid sports enthusiast with a particular focus on hockey, I have closely followed developments within various hockey organizations, including those related to age group classifications and terminology. My expertise stems from an in-depth understanding of the sport's structures, regulations, and ongoing discussions about inclusivity and sensitivity within the hockey community.
Now, delving into the provided article about the potential revision of traditional youth hockey age group names, it's evident that a significant shift is underway, primarily triggered by the reconsideration of terms like 'midget' and a broader examination of division names by hockey organizations.
The article mentions BC Hockey's board of directors contemplating changes to division names used by its minor hockey association members. The term 'midget' has come under scrutiny, not only due to its historical usage but also in response to other sports organizations moving towards eliminating potentially offensive language. The consideration for a shift to age-specific categories, such as U15 and U17, is highlighted as a potential alternative and a more straightforward classification system.
BC Hockey CEO Barry Petrachenko acknowledges the need for change, stating that the board has directed staff to recommend new names for implementation within the BC Hockey membership, with plans to bring these recommendations to Hockey Canada for nationwide adoption.
The article also notes the recent actions by Athletics Canada and the Ontario Basketball Association to drop the term "midget" as an age category descriptor, signaling a broader movement towards inclusivity and sensitivity in sports terminology. Allan Redford, the director of the Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada, applauds these changes, emphasizing the importance of awareness, acceptance, and respect.
Hockey Canada, as the sport's national governing body, plays a crucial role in potential adjustments to age categories or divisions on a national level. The article suggests that any changes would require a regulation change brought forward by a member or the Hockey Canada board at scheduled meetings.
Several provincial hockey organizations, including Hockey PEI and Hockey Quebec, express their intentions to review their category setups, while others like the Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Hockey Manitoba do not currently have plans to propose changes to Hockey Canada.
Internationally, the article mentions that the International Ice Hockey Federation and USA Hockey already use age designators, and Hockey Canada itself classifies the midget category as players under 18 as of December 31 of the current season.
In summary, the article reflects a significant shift in the hockey community towards reconsidering age group names, specifically the term 'midget,' and exploring alternatives like age-specific categories for a more inclusive and respectful classification system. The actions of various hockey organizations and their responses to evolving societal norms demonstrate an ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment within the sport.
