Body checking is a common part of playing ice hockey. But
since most youth hockey injuries result from body checking, the
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that hockey players age 15 and
younger should not body check other players. Studies show that
high-speed collisions, combined with size differences within age groups,
and a false sense of security due to protective equipment have all
contributed to increased checking-related injuries. In a study of injuries among 9 to 15 year olds, 86 percent of all injuries were due to checking. Another
study found that since children of the same age grow at different rates
players in the same age group could exert significantly different
amounts of force when body checking. Parents, young players and coaches need be educated about the importance of the dangers of body checking.
