Each year, almost 67,000 hockey-related* injuries to youths under age 15 are treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and hospital emergency rooms.

The total cost of these hockey-related injuries was more than $897 million in 1999. (Includes medical, legal and liability, work loss and pain and suffering costs.)

Protective equipment is one of the most important factors in minimizing the risk of injury in hockey. Play It Safe and wear the equipment required by most youth ice hockey leagues:

• Helmet/face mask with strap properly fastened

• Shoulder pads, shin pads, elbow pads, hip pads, and tendon pads

• Padded hockey pants

• Gloves

• Jersey

• Mouthguard

• Athletic supporter

• If eyeglasses must be worn by a player, they should be of approved construction with non-shattering glass (safety glass). Contact lenses also can be worn.

*(Includes ice hockey)

Source: USA Hockey, Inc., Official Rule Book and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

(For a free Play It Safe brochure, call the Academy's public service telephone number (800) 824-BONES or send a stamped, self-addressed (business size) envelope to Play It Safe, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.O. Box 1998, Des Plaines, IL. 60017.)

October 2000

For More Information:
A Guide to Safety for Young Athletes
Prevent Inline Skating Injuries