Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1171526
The intent of the initiative was to encourage a change in culture as to what is considered to be acceptable/unaccept- able body checking and competitive con- tact at all levels of play, with a focus on eliminating: 1) hits to the head, 2) hits from behind and 3) late hits. Respect for the game, the opponents, coaches and officials is a critical part of a positive youth hockey environment, and as such, the responsibility for modify- ing the culture lies with everyone in the game, from players, coaches and officials to media, parents, fans and administrators. The Declaration does not include any rule changes. Instead, it features "points of emphasis" designed to clarify and update the existing rules/definitions to emphasize the key points and more clear- ly outline what is deemed acceptable/ unacceptable behavior. Below are several key points in the declaration: • Legal body contact occurs between two or more skaters who are in the imme- diate vicinity of the puck and who are both in the normal process of playing the puck. These skaters are reasonably allowed to lean into each other provided possession of the puck remains the sole object of the contact. Body contact is encouraged at all age classification of play. • When determining whether a body check (or body contact) has occurred, the official must focus on whether the player is attempting to play the puck and whether there is any overt hip, shoulder or forearm action used to initiate contact and separate the opponent from the puck. • A body check represents intentional physical contact by a skater to an oppo- nent who is in control of the puck. The opposing player's objective is to gain pos- session of the puck with a legal body check and NOT to punish or intimidate an opponent. • A legal body check must be done with the trunk of the body (hips and shoulders) and the point of contact must be between the opponent's knees and at or below the shoulders. The use of hands, forearm, stick or elbow in delivering a body check is unacceptable. • Proper body checking technique starts with stick on puck. Therefore, the stick blade of the player delivering the check must be below the knee. • Under no circumstance is it accept- able to deliver a body check to a vulnera- ble or defenseless opponent, an opponent who is not in possession and control of the puck (late hit). • A skater is considered to be in a vul- nerable or defenseless position when he is unaware, unprepared, or unsuspecting of an impending hit. • Any body check delivered by a skater to an opponent who is physically engaged with another skater is considered unacceptable. In June of 2019, USA Hockey demonstrated its commitment to creating a safe and fair environment for all participants and being a leader in the development of youth athletes with the ratification of the Declaration of Player Safety, Fair Play and Respect. SAFE & SOUND 16 MHJ // 2019-2020 MINNESOTA HOCKEY SEASON PRIMER Season PRIMER 2019 -20 For visual examples of acceptable and unacceptable body checking, visit minnesotahockey.org/safety. CHECK THE TAPE