James Ciapciak’s Top Youth Ice Hockey Safety Tips

1. James Ciapciak’s Top Youth
Ice Hockey Safety Tips

2. James Ciapciak, a longtime Massachusetts youth
hockey coach who received USA Hockey’s 2004
Coach of the Year Award, discusses the importance of
hockey safety.

3. While ice hockey is a rewarding sport that teaches kids
teamwork and helps to keep them physically fit, like
any contact sport, it can lead to injuries. However,
following safety guidelines can prevent or minimize
children’s chance of injury and ensure the best
experience for everyone.

4. 1. Double check equipment. Make sure your child’s
safety equipment is functional and fits properly. The
helmet’s strap should fit under the child’s chin, with
the helmet sitting snugly over the head and resting
approximately one finger’s width above the child’s
brow line. Check that face guards are structurally
sound, and inquire about neck guards, which can help
to prevent neck and spinal injuries.

5. 2. Get information about the league and its safety rules
and guidelines. If the league allows limited body
checking, ensure that coaches are teaching proper
checking form, including how to anticipate checks.
Checking from behind should never be allowed. Also,
inquire into the league’s emergency medical
procedures, including the availability of automated
external defibrillators during games.

6. 3. Talk with your child. Encourage your child not to
play through pain and to immediately tell a coach if he
or she is injured.

7. Aside from his experience with youth hockey, Jim
Ciapciak serves as a real estate and business
consultant.