Body Checking Policy Change Research Articles

Evaluating the Effect of Policy Prohibiting Body Checking on Physical Contacts in U15 and U18 Youth Ice Hockey Leagues.

To compare physical contacts (PCs) and head contacts (HCs) in nonelite U15 (ages 13-14) and U18 (ages 15-17) ice hockey players in body checking (BC) and non-BC leagues. Cohort video analysis study. Ice hockey arenas in Calgary, Canada. Players from 13 BC and 13 non-BC games at the nonelite U15 and U18 levels (n = 52 total games). Games were videotaped and analyzed to compare PC variables between leagues allowing and prohibiting BC. Validated methodology for PC type (trunk PC and other types of PC with limb/stick/head), intensity (low and high intensity), and HC. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression (controlling for cluster by team game and offset by player minutes) to compare the incidence of PCs in BC and non-BC games. The rate of trunk PCs was lower in the non-BC leagues for both U15 (IRR = 0.50, 99% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.58) and U18 (IRR = 0.56, 99% CI: 0.46-0.67) players. This was most significant for BC contacts (U15: IRR = 0.18, 99% CI: 0.11-0.29; U18: IRR = 0.16, 99% CI: 0.08-0.34), although also significant for body contacts (U15: IRR = 0.54, 99% CI: 0.46-0.64; U18: IRR = 0.58, 99% CI: 0.48-0.70), other PCs, (U15: IRR = 0.60, 99% CI: 0.45-0.78; U18: IRR = 0.71, 99% CI: 0.58-0.88), and HCs (U15: IRR = 0.40, 99% CI: 0.22-0.71; U18: IRR = 0.37, 99% CI: 0.25-0.57). The incidence of BC was 82% lower in the U15 and 84% lower in U18 levels not allowing BC, with lower HC and other PC rates also in non-BC leagues. These findings demonstrate high adherence with BC policy change in youth ice hockey.

The Effect of Body Checking Policy Changes on Concussion Incidence in Canadian Male Youth Ice Hockey Players: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical Scenario: Current studies have identified body checking as the most common cause of sports-related concussion in ice hockey across all divisions and levels. As a result, many hockey organizations, particularly in youth sports, have implemented rules making body checking to the head, face, and/or neck illegal. Such a rule, in Canada, makes age 13 the first age in which individuals can engage in body checking. Despite these changes, effectiveness of their implementation on the incidence of concussion in Canadian male youth ice hockey players remains unclear. Clinical Question: What is the effect of body checking policy changes on concussion incidence in male youth ice hockey players? Summary of Key Findings: Of the 3 included studies, 2 studies reported a decrease in the incidence of concussion once a body checking policy change was implemented. The third study showed an increase; however, it is important to note that this may be due, in part, to increased awareness leading to better reporting of injuries. Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence supports a relationship between body checking policy implementation and decreased concussion incidence; however, more research is needed to understand the long-term implications of policy change and the effects in other leagues. In addition, further data are needed to differentiate between increased concussion incidence resulting from concussion education efforts that may improve disclosure and increased concussion incidence as a direct result of policy changes. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B evidence exists that policy changes regarding body checking decrease concussion incidence in male youth ice hockey players.

The risk of injury associated with body checking among Pee Wee ice hockey players: an evaluation of Hockey Canada’s national body checking policy change

BackgroundIn 2013, Hockey Canada introduced an evidence-informed policy change delaying the earliest age of introduction to body checking in ice hockey until Bantam (ages 13–14) nationwide.ObjectiveTo determine if the risk...

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A NATIONAL BODY CHECKING POLICY CHANGE ON REDUCING INJURY RISK IN YOUTH ICE HOCKEY

BackgroundIn 2013, Hockey Canada introduced an evidence-informed policy change delaying the earliest age of introduction to body checking in hockey until Bantam (ages 13–14) nationwide.ObjectiveTo determine if the risk of...

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF POLICY CHANGE ON PHYSICAL CONTACTS IN YOUTH ICE HOCKEY USING VIDEO ANALYSIS

BackgroundPolicy disallowing body checking in youth ice hockey significantly reduces the risk of injury and concussion. Based on video analysis, frequency and intensity of player to player physical contacts (PCs)...