With anything, understanding the rules as they are written is often a good starting point in making changes. One question I am asking is what is checking. Another question I am asking is how is the spirit or intent of checking written into the rules. I have done a web-search on checking and provided the links to the sources. (my responses are in bold)
The boards surrounding the ice help keep the puck in play and they can also be used as tools to play the puck. Players are permitted to "bodycheck" opponents into the boards as a means of stopping progress. The referees, linesmen and the outsides of the goal are "in play" and do not cause a stoppage of the game when the puck or players are influenced (by either bouncing or colliding) into them. Play can be stopped if the goal is knocked out of position. Play often proceeds for minutes without interruption. When play is stopped, it is restarted with a faceoff. Two players "face" each other and an official drops the puck to the ice, where the two players attempt to gain control of the puck. Markings on the ice indicate the locations for the "faceoff" and guide the positioning of players.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey
I see this definition states players are permitted to "bodycheck" the players into the boards as a means of stopping progress. I am assuming it means progress of the play and not the future development of the player. It doesn't mention anything about the intensity of the hit. How hard of a check is needed to stop the progress of the play? Very little. So why do we allow for excessive force in the bodychecks? Force that goes above and beyond stopping the progress of play is not acceptable in youth ice hockey.
Body checking
Using the body to knock an opponent against the boards or to the ice. This is often referred to as simply checking or hitting and is only permitted on an opponent with possession of the puck. Body checking can be penalized when performed recklessly. Charging, hitting from behind and boarding are examples of illegal hits, due to their dangerous nature and increased likelihood of causing serious injury. In women's ice hockey, any body checking is a penalty and is also usually not allowed in amateur leagues and leagues with young children. Some intramural university leagues do not permit bodychecking, in order to avoid injury and incidents of fighting. "Leaning" against opponents is an alternative to body checking but, if abused, may be penalized for holding.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checking_(ice_hockey)
I see this definition states using the body to knock the player against the boards or to the ice. And And it is only permitted on an opponent with the possession of the puck. HOW many times have you seen a child checked without possession? It does state checking can be penalized when performed recklessly. Maybe recklessly needs to defined better in youth ice hockey. I would include reckless be defined in part as excessive force.
Hip-checking
When a player drops to a near-crouching stance and swings his hips toward an opposing player, sending the opponent off balance, often falling to the ice. Mostly done up against the boards. A hit below the knees is considered an infraction in the National Hockey League, and called "clipping".
Shoulder-checking
The most common type of body-check, in which a player puts his shoulder into his opponent to muscle the opponent out of position. The elbow must be tucked in, or the player risks taking a penalty for elbowing.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checking_(ice_hockey)
Here are two types of checks. Hip and Shoulder. Why not only allow strict interpretation of this in youth ice hockey. Hip contact or shoulder contact. Remove full force hits into the chest of a player. There is no such thing as a Chest Checking in hockey. Hip or Shoulder! Let the kids learn this first.
Checking in ice hockey is the act of physically keeping an opposing player in check. It is not a penalty.
There are multiple types of checking:
Body checking
Using the hip or body to contact an opponent in possession of the puck from the side or front. This is often referred to as simply checking.
From: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Checking_%28hockey%29
This definition states the act of physically keeping an opposing player in check. How about keeping the checker in check. It states using hip or body contact on a player in possession with the puck. I can see one rule change that could occur is that you can't hit a player that does not have the puck. That means you can't hit them while going to the puck. You can't hit them if they are standing next to the puck. You can't hit them if they released the puck. I am talking about checking. Physical play and body pushing is not the issue. Brutal force and excessive force is the issue.
check or checking:
any contact initiated by a defending player against an opponent to get the puck away from him or slow him down; there are two main types of checks: stick check and body check; these are only allowed against a player in control of the puck or against the last player to control it immediately after he gives it up; checking after too many steps or strides becomes charging.
From: http://www.firstbasesports.com/hockey_glossary.html
This definition says any contact but goes on to say there are two main checks which are stick checks and body checks. Stick checks are great. It does say a check can go to the player that is in control of the puck or against the last player to control it immediately after he gives it up. Hmm the later is fairly vague especially to kids but understood at the pro-levels. It is not understood by children and teens. Simply change the rules of body checking to the player who has control of the puck. Once the puck is passed away... No checking. Body contact sure. No checking. A check or excessive contact would be come charging.
Official NHL RULE BOOK
Rule 48 - Illegal Check to the Head
48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A lateral or blind side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principle point of contact is not permitted.
48.2 Minor Penalty - There is no provision for a minor penalty for this rule.
48.3 Major Penalty - For a violation of this rule, a major penalty shall be assessed (see 48.4).
48.4 Game Misconduct – An automatic game misconduct penalty shall be assessed whenever a major penalty is assessed under this rule.
48.5 Match Penalty - The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent with an illegal check to the head
48.6 Fines and Suspensions – Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts under this rule, in either regular League or playoff games, shall be suspended automatically for the next game his team plays. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.
If deemed appropriate, supplementary discipline can be applied by the Commissioner at his discretion (refer to Rule 28).
From: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=64063
Follow this rule with a modification to include any head contact during a check or a check the cause head contact to the boards or ice. It is already in the rule book. Don't use adult rules for youth ice hockey. Modify the rules to manage the understanding and capacities of the child and teen player. Modified rules have to be put in place.
Checking has an intended purpose that must be regulated for that purpose. In is not free reign to harm a child by hitting them as hard as they can be hit. As I type this, I can't believe I didn't speak out sooner. It sounds so ridiculous that we allow our kids to be hit under the disguise of a hockey check. We need to change the rules for youth leagues now! No head contact. No excessive force. Physical play and regulated shoulder and hip checks are acceptable. We as adults must regulate the game. If your child is lucky enough to go into a professional adult league... as adults they can interpret the rule book.
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