Evaluation of the Effect of Policy Change on Physical Contacts in Youth Ice Hockey Using Video Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between body checking policy change and the frequency and intensity of physical contacts in Bantam ice hockey players (ages 13-14).Methods: This is a cohort study design. Video-analysis data includes 13 non-elite (lowest 70% by division of play) Bantam (ages 13-14) ice hockey games videotaped in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (2014-15 where body checking was permitted) and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (2014-15 where body checking was not permitted). Primary outcome measures include high intensity physical contact (body checking), as well as hooking and slashing behaviours.Results: Lower incidence rates of high intensity physical contact were observed in Bantam ice hockey players in a league where body checking was not permitted [IRR= 0.09 (95% CI; 0.05-0.15)]. Players in a league where body checking was not permitted had significantly higher incidence rates of hooking and slashing behaviours [IRR= 1.81 (95% CI; 1.33-2.47)].Conclusions: There was a lower incidence of higher intensity physical contacts in Bantam ice hockey players in a league where body checking is not permitted, whereas the incidence of hooking and slashing behaviours were higher. This research will inform the mechanisms explaining injury and will have important national public health implications (reduction of injury) for policy decisions related to rule enforcement in youth ice hockey.ii Acknowledgements