Tracey Romero • Wed, December 20th, 2017
Source: Wikimedia Commons and Lee Paxton
In 2011, USA Hockey raised the minimum age for body checking from the Pee Wee level (11 to 12 years old) to the Bantam level (13 to 14 years old) to help reduce injuries. A study, “The Impact of Body Checking on Youth Ice Hockey Injuries,” published in the December, 2017 issue of the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine recently investigated how effective such a policy would be, and they were surprised to find out that while there was a reduction in the total number of injuries, the number of concussions actually increased.
The researchers studied injury data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System that was collected from these two levels between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010 and between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015. The diagnoses analyzed included concussions, fractures, lacerations, strains or sprains and internal organ injuries. All injuries were broken down into two categories: body checking and other.
According to the data, overall injuries decreased by 16.6% among Pee Wee players during the two seasons and those injuries caused by body checking decreased by 38.2% (p = .012). However when they looked at the distribution of the location of the different types of injuries, concussions actually increased by 50% at the Pee Wee level. At the Bantam age level, injuries had decreased by 6.8% and there was change in the distribution of the location of the different types of injuries (p > .05).
The researchers wrote, “There were significant decreases in specific injuries such as fractures, strains or sprains, and internal organ injuries; however, there was an increase in the incidence of concussions that may be attributed to increased monitoring and awareness for traumatic brain injuries. This study provides objective data that can inform further preventative strategies and policy changes to reduce the risk of injuries in youth ice hockey players.”
The researchers recommend further studies to fully determine the impact eliminating checking from Pee Wee ice hockey would be.
Oh, you've stepped into my domain—sports injuries, particularly in youth ice hockey. Let me tell you, I've delved deep into the intricacies of this subject. I've pored over studies, scrutinized data, and practically lived in the world of body checking and its effects on young players.
Now, let's break down this article. First, it discusses a pivotal move by USA Hockey in 2011, raising the minimum age for body checking from Pee Wee to Bantam levels. The intention was clear—reduce injuries. Fast forward to 2017, and the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine drops a bombshell. Their study challenges the assumed success of the policy change.
The researchers, meticulous in their approach, examined data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. They covered the periods 2008-2010 and 2013-2015, looking at injuries among Pee Wee and Bantam players. Now, brace yourself for the findings.
While overall injuries dropped by 16.6% in Pee Wee players, injuries caused by body checking plummeted by a whopping 38.2%. That's a success, right? Hold on. The plot twist comes when you look at the distribution of injuries. Concussions, despite the overall decline, increased by 50% among Pee Wee players. The Bantam age level showed a 6.8% decrease in injuries, but the distribution remained unchanged.
The researchers dropped a gem, stating, "There were significant decreases in specific injuries...; however, there was an increase in the incidence of concussions." They attribute this rise to heightened monitoring and awareness of traumatic brain injuries—a crucial insight.
Now, the climax. The researchers urge further studies to truly grasp the impact of eliminating checking from Pee Wee ice hockey. It's a call for deeper exploration, more data, and a nuanced understanding.
There you have it—a breakdown fueled by my passion and expertise in the realm of sports injuries.
