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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BODY-CHECKING
HOCKEY:
PLAYERS REGISTERING FOR A BODY-CHECKING OR PEEWEE AND
ABOVE REP TEAM AUTOMATICALLY AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER
IN THEIR REGISTRATION.
Body-checking hockey has been offered at the Bantam and Midget
house league (“C”) levels for the past six seasons by the Vancouver
Thunderbirds and last season it was introduced at the Peewee
division. The merits of body-checking vs. non-body-checking
hockey have been debated by our members at several of our Annual
General Meetings, and by the executive at VTMHA Board Meetings.
The decision by the Thunderbirds executive to offer
body-checking hockey is not an endorsement of this type of
play. The decision was made in recognition of the fact that a
significant number of players have indicated that they wish to play
body-checking, and because body-checking hockey is played at house
level by all of the associations in the President’s League, against
which our C teams play.
Hockey, by its nature, puts players at risk of severe injury.
While the rules of the game attempt to make the game safe for all,
incidents do happen. The intensity and shorter decision times
associated with the body-checking game may put players at increased
risk of injury, particularly those players who are smaller or
less-skilled.
The Vancouver Thunderbirds has implemented some policies and
programs which we hope will assist players who choose to play
body-checking. These include teaching coaches and players the
proper technique to give and receive a body-check. The instruction
that is offered has a limited scope and cannot be relied on to
reduce or eliminate the risk of injury. Parents and players must
also understand that even a “clean” check can do significant
damage.
The BC Amateur Hockey Association has instituted new penalties
in an attempt to control the level of aggression on the ice.
However, parents and players must understand that minor hockey
games are not officiated by professionals and that the conduct of
players can be controlled only to a limited extent by the
officials.
While all registered players have insurance coverage offered
through BCAHA, the amounts are limited and may not be sufficient to
compensate parents and players in the event of injury.
Vancouver Thunderbirds has offered a CHOICE to our entire
Peewee, Bantam and Midget players to participate in either non-body
checking (referred to as body contact) or body checking hockey. (as
long as there is sufficient interest to make up a team). However,
keep in mind that Peewee players will only be 11 & 12 years
old, Bantam players will be 13 and 14 and Midgets will be 15, 16
and 17. Due to the wide range of ages and sizes within the
Midget Division, the VTMHA executive STRONGLY ENCOURAGES FIRST
YEAR MIDGET PLAYERS (15 YEAR OLDS) TO PLAY IN THE NON BODY
CHECKING (BODY CONTACT) LEAGUE asthe risk of injury will
be higher this season.
We urge ALL parents and players who are interested in
body-checking hockey to take some time to consider the above
information and to make their own inquiries so as to
be fully informed on the subject of body-checking before making a
final decision as to which league the player registers in. | 