Exploring proposed mechanisms of the relative age effect in Canadian minor hockey

abstract: The article presents research on the effects of relative age, a person's age compared to those in his peer group, on athletic ability in youth. A survey was conducted of youth hockey players in Canada in which players were evaluated for age, degree of physical maturity as measured by body size and actual playing time. The results indicated that elite youth hockey players are selected primarily by body type, with relative age having little effect on their abilities

Measuring athlete exposure and body contact using time-on-task technology in ice hockey

It is common for athlete exposure (AE) and body contact (BC) to be incorrectly estimated in epidemiologic research due to the technical challenges associated with field-based research in ice hockey. Time-on-task technology has shown promise in accurately quantifying AE and BC using computer technology through direct measurement during real time games. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to adopt time-on-task technology to monitor AE and BC in Atom hockey players who were permitted body checking versus those not allowed to body check. We evaluated 579 boys (age 9-10 year olds) from 42 representative Atom hockey teams over 107 games during the 2003-2004 regular season from five hockey associations using a time-on-task computing program running on a tablet computer. Body checking was allowed in four associations [Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, Ontario Minor Hockey Association, Greater Toronto Hockey League], while one association was non-body checking (HNO). Body contact was 4.5 times greater in the body checking associations versus the non-body checking association per game. No significant difference in mean AE per game was found between body checking and non-body checking associations. However, greater AE was reported in NOHA games compared to the remaining four associations. Conversely, BC in the NOHA was significantly less compared to the remaining body checking associations, but not the HNO. Time-on-task technology was valuable in monitoring AE and BC, accounting for variability in individual players. Expected AE and BC was observed between checking and non-body checking associations. Unexpectedly larger AE in NOHA is attributed to smaller team roster size and longer duration games. Furthermore, decreased BC in NOHA players may be due to smaller roster size intrinsic factors contributing to the inverse relationship between AE and BC. Time-on-task technology is valuable in monitoring AE and BC in Atom ice hockey. This is a practical method of monitoring important aspects of the game

Development of a Computing Utility to Measure Time-On- Task in Injury Research Studies

Abstract. Quantifying time-on-task is important in many areas, but is of considerable importance to researchers considering the relationships between exposure and injury risk. This paper describes the method used to develop a generic data collection, storage and retrieval program for measuring time-on-task. The program uses hypertext markup language, javaScript and Perl to provide an easily navigated computer interface for recording exposure variables on a tablet style computer (laptop). This method allows for data collection in the field and provides several benefits over traditional methods of data capture. This utility may have application in a range of research areas including education and skill acquisition, in addition to providing a precise measure of exposure to high-risk environments

Establishing the test–retest reliability & concurrent validity for the repeat ice skating test (RIST) in adolescent male ice hockey players

In this study the authors examine the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Repeat Ice Skating Test (RIST). This was an on-ice field anaerobic test that measured average peak power and was validated with 3 anaerobic lab tests: (a) vertical jump, (b) the Margaria–Kalamen stair test, and (c) the Wingate Anaerobic Test. The participants (n = 14) were 11- to 12-year-old males selected from a Peewee “A” level ice hockey team (Thunder Bay, Canada). The results of the test–retest reliability estimation showed that the RIST was a reliable test at measuring average peak power in watts (R = .99, C.I.95% = 0.97 to 0.99) and watts per kilogram (R = .98, C.I.95% = 0.94 to 0.99). The RIST was also a valid test when correlated with the 3 anaerobic lab tests for measuring peak power in watts: vertical jump (r = .86, C.I.95% = 0.72 to 0.94), Margaria–Kalamen stair test (r = .66, C.I.95% = 0.39 to 0.83) and Wingate Anaerobic Test (r = .86, C.I.95% = 0.72 to 0.93). The test is considered promising because it does not require any specific equipment, and is a sport-specific, on-ice test, that can be administered during a regular ice hockey practice session

Introduction to the play it cool safe hockey program

The Play it Cool Safe Hockey Program was designed to enhance the preparation of ice hockey coaches through a structured curriculum, delivered online. The program consists of seven learning modules which included: sportsmanship and ethics, athlete centered/practice playing techniques, skating skills, principles of play, knowledge of the ice - playing location and area, teaching checking as a skill, and controlling risk as a coach. The program is delivered entirely online, with the assistance of a mentor/facilitator. The content of the Play It Cool program is delivered to coaches for players between the ages of 9 to 15 years. Results from a pilot intervention that introduced the Play it Cool program to a cohort of 24 volunteer coaches are discussed. The comments from post-program, focus-group meetings highlight the coaches’ need to better understand methods of teaching hockey concepts that could lead to safer behaviours by their players. The findings also support the need for continued efforts to maintain the partnership between minor hockey associations, hockey governing councils, and non-government organizations (NGO), which have injury prevention as their mandat