• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Does disallowing body checking in non-elite 13- to 14-year-old ice hockey leagues reduce rates of injury and concussion? A cohort study in two Canadian provinces
  • Contributor: Emery, Carolyn; Galarneau, Jean-Michel; Palacios-Derflingher, Luz; Black, Amanda Marie; Eliason, Paul; Krolikowski, Maciek; Spencer, Nicole; Kozak, Stacy; Schneider, Kathryn J; Babul, Shelina; Mrazik, Martin; Lebrun, Constance M; Goulet, Claude; Macpherson, Alison; Hagel, Brent E
  • Published: BMJ, 2020
  • Published in: British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54 (2020) 7, Seite 414-421
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101092
  • ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: ObjectiveTo compare rates of injury and concussion among non-elite (lowest 60% by division of play) Bantam (ages 13–14 years) ice hockey leagues that disallow body checking to non-elite Bantam leagues that allow body checking.MethodsIn this 2-year cohort study, Bantam non-elite ice hockey players were recruited from leagues where policy allowed body checking in games (Calgary/Edmonton 2014–2015, Edmonton 2015–2016) and where policy disallowed body checking (Kelowna/Vancouver 2014–2015, Calgary 2015–2016). All ice hockey game-related injuries resulting in medical attention, inability to complete a session and/or time loss from hockey were identified using valid injury surveillance methodology. Any player suspected of having concussion was referred to a study physician for diagnosis and management.Results49 body checking (608 players) and 33 non-body checking teams (396 players) participated. There were 129 injuries (incidence rate (IR)=5.52/1000 hours) and 54 concussions (IR=2.31/1000 hours) in the body checking teams in games. After policy change, there were 31 injuries (IR=2.50/1000 hours) and 17 concussions (IR=1.37/1000 hours) in games. Policy disallowing body checking was associated with a lower rate of all injury (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.45; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.76). The point estimate showed a lower rate of concussion (adjusted IRR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.17), but this was not statistically significant.ConclusionPolicy change disallowing body checking in non-elite Bantam ice hockey resulted in a 55% lower rate of injury. There is growing evidence that disallowing body checking in youth ice hockey is associated with fewer injuries.