The Canadian Paediatric Society is urging all hockey leagues in Canada to raise the age when bodychecking is allowed, according to a new research paper.
In a report authored by University of Ottawa professor Dr. Kristian Goulet, the recommendation was made, citing studies that connect bodychecking to concussions and the severe effects of the injury.
Dr. Kristian Goulet and Dr. Suzanne Beno, pediatricians, wrote in a joint statement that hockey organizations and competitive leagues should implement new policies and rules to prevent bodychecking before players reach 15 years old.
“By eliminating bodychecking altogether up until 15, we can do significant favors for our kids. This not only benefits their neurological health in terms of concussions but also their mental health,” said Dr. Goulet.
Currently, Hockey Canada bans checking in leagues with players under 13 years old for women’s and girls’ leagues and any division approved by a member association.
The paper highlights that concussions account for 80-90% of traumatic brain injuries and that around 200,000 concussions occur in Canada every year, mainly among children and youth. Hockey is the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in all sports across all youth age groups in the country.
Research cited in the paper shows that injury rates are about 50% lower in youth leagues without bodychecking. One study even claims that eliminating bodychecking could decrease concussion rates in the country by 20 to 90%.
Concussion symptoms include nausea, vomiting, difficulties in remembering, and emotional instability. While most children and youth recover within four weeks, some may suffer longer-lasting effects.
The paper also warns about the connection between concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a potentially fatal brain disease.
Dr. Goulet, a professor and pediatrician at the University of Ottawa, emphasized that concussion effects are cumulative.
When asked if Hockey Canada would consider changing its policies in response to the Canadian Paediatric Society’s call, the organization referred to its recent removal of bodychecking for U13 but did not mention whether it would implement the recommended changes to ban the practice until the age of 15.
Goulet mentioned that he is not trying to change the game but rather focus on teaching young players how to check and protect themselves in practice, especially to avoid injuries caused by significant hits and elbows to the head from players who may have a weight difference of up to 60 lbs.
The sooner Hockey Canada takes action, the more injuries can be prevented, as these young players rely on their cognitive abilities for their future.
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