PCAHA eliminates bodychecks

Move an attempt to reduce injuries

In a bid to reduce significant injuries — particularly head traumas — the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association is phasing out bodychecking in all recreation leagues next season.

A resolution to remove bodychecking in recreational — House or ‘ C’ — leagues passed by a vote of 123 in favour to 39 against on Sunday, and will be implemented at the start of the 2012- 13 season.

Voters included representatives from the numerous minor hockey associations throughout the PCAHA’S boundaries, which range from Hope to the Sunshine Coast, as well as PCAHA executives.

A number of PCAHA executive staff were reached for comment Sunday afternoon, however none were able to speak to the matter by Sunday night.

In October of 2011, the PCAHA struck a committee tasked with investigating the risks of bodychecking and whether to eliminate the act from recreational hockey altogether.

The committee, represented by numerous minor hockey associations and managing directors, as well as PCAHA president Vanna Achtem, tabled a report on Nov. 30, outlining a number of risks, including concussions, inherent with bodychecking, particularly with players in recreational leagues.

“The incidence of concussions in hockey has gained a steadily higher profile in recent years,” stated the report.

“Concern about concussions has spread to minor hockey players and their parents. [ Enrolment] in minor hockey programs is down across the country, and while there may be multiple causes ... there is no doubt that one cause is concern about the risk of injury in hockey.”

Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association president Trevor Bamford called the decision to remove bodychecking from all recreational levels of the PCAHA a good move, one that will put skill ahead of “intimidation.”

“This shifts the emphasis away from the hitting side for kids who just want to play the game,” said Bamford. “Hockey is a contact sport and there is always the risk of injury, but this decreases that risk significantly.”

According to Bamford, players will still be allowed to rub out opposing players along the boards.

“You’re still going to have win battles in the corners ... you’re still going to have to have body position, but this reduces the risk,” he said.