Reduce Injuries By Letting the Referee's Address the Benches

One key to reducing injuries in hockey is education. It is very easy for all parties involved, to get lost in large debates about checking and major changes. These debates and discussions take time and often end without action. The problem with delaying action is that more kids get hurt while we wait. One problem that often causes delay is that we want to change to much in one swoop. Rather then making small changes while looking at larger changes, we choose the latter only. Both can be done. Tweak the existing systems with small changes.

Here is a simple way to help reduce injuries. USA Hockey and the Referee Associations need to agree to a single change. It is an educational change. Referees need to address the benches before each game for about 45 seconds. The coaches and players need to be directed to fully listen to the referees.

The referees need to remind the players of the following items. Below is an example of how a referee would address the bench.

You are all hockey players and I expect you all to play with respect. I will remove any player from the game that is hitting recklessly. I won't tolerate hits to the back and will penalize you. I expect you to play with 100% respect toward other players and check legally. I intend to make sure the game is played safely and fairly. If you want to end up in the penalty box or get ejected, start hitting players the wrong way.

Let me tell you this. Don't hit the player in the back. Don't hit the player in the head or neck. Don't cause a hit that puts another player in harms way. You are all hockey players. Play hard and play safe.

You might ask yourself isn't this understood. No it isn't. Education is about repetition and you are dealing with kids not adults. Every game, every time, every bench needs to be approached by the referees and given the content of the above example. It has to be a mandatory part of the game.

The goal is to reduce injury. The goal is to get the information in the youth players head of what not to do. This is a very easy change that will reduce injuries by making safety a routine part of the game.

Reminding the kids on the bench also reminds the referees about their responsibilities.

Making this a routine part of youth ice hockey would cost about 2 minutes of time. It is time well used.

The referees could also take 30 second between periods to address problem and reiterate the above. This is youth ice hockey not the NHL. Referees can be used differently.