The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) Board of Directors and its Rules Committee today launched a league-wide survey seeking feedback on a potential rule change affecting body checking in “A” level hockey. This survey continues the League’s commitment to consultation with its stakeholders on important issues facing the game.

The survey asks for respondents’ views on whether body checking should be removed from “A” level hockey one year at a time, eventually eliminating it from all “A” level hockey in the GTHL.

The survey will be available until March 15 and can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GTHLBodycheckingsurvey2014.

In recent years the GTHL has implemented various initiatives relating to player safety. These initiatives included a “Team Official Education Program” prepared and presented by Dr. Paul Dennis, one of Canada’s most respected Sports Psychologists.

In addition, penalties for dangerous play including infractions for Checking from Behind, Head Contact, and Fighting were increased.

The GTHL also implemented escalating suspensions for infractions related to aggressive play as well as issuing automatic indefinite suspensions for any participant guilty of engaging in verbal taunts, insults or intimidation based on discriminatory grounds (race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language). In 2013, GTHL members passed a motion to further explore the option of progressively eliminating body checking in “A” level hockey beginning in the League for the 2014-15 season.

“The GTHL has always been a leader in minor hockey. This includes policies and education on concussion prevention and treatment, the development of Canada’s first-ever Aggressive Play Policy and the first-ever Head Injury Policy in hockey. The GTHL has been at the forefront in the on-going public discussion in relation to player safety and other issues affecting our sport and League. This survey allows us to seek feedback from our stakeholders to ensure our rules are aligned with the values of the participants in the game,” said GTHL Executive Director Scott Oakman.

GTHL President John Gardner added “the GTHL is proud to continue its leadership role in minor hockey in Canada. These past initiatives have helped us work towards our goal and we will continue to take other necessary measures to improve the environment in which our participants experience this great game.”

PDF of the media release.