Kids BodyChecking in Hockey
Just watched a very interesting story on CBC about 10 and 11 year olds being allowed to check and that studies initially showed injuries would be the same as a group that did not allow checking. The story from CBC indicated the data was flawed and actually injuries happened 4 times more in the group that allowed body checking. As I watched the story I was amazed as the team that the story was following was described as the team with the most penalty minutes in the league and at least 1 player a game is kicked out. Now this will be held up as an example of why body checking and aggressive play in hockey is bad. When in fact I beleive the coaching and parents have the biggest influence on the style of play. Kids can play an aggressive game and not hurt each other. The slant of the story is because of body checking, this particular team has more penalties and more players ejected from games. I am curious what the stats were before checking was reintroduced. The way CBC has portrayed this issue leaves the audience no choice but to feel outrage at a system that would force kids to play a game which includes body checking. With proper coaching and supervision the game can be played in a safe manner and kids will not take unneccessary penalties. The game is just that, a game and should be enjoyed, quit putting pressure on your kids and let them have fun.
Check out the Story for yourself.
http://www.cbc.ca/disclosure/archives/030114_hockey/main.html
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