AJHL, Four Other Leagues, Launch Pilot Project to Reduce Violence and Bullying

from AJHL.ca

A group of five Member Leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League are proud to announce an unprecedented joint effort to eliminate violence and bullying from Junior A hockey.




This initiative has developed from a partnership between the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL), who have formed together to create the Junior A Supplement, which will be launched as a pilot project in the 2010-2011 CJHL Season.

The Junior A Supplement has been created to protect junior-aged hockey players by addressing actions such as Blows to the Head, Dangerous Hits, Accumulated Major Penalties, Accumulated Misconducts, Instigating and Unnecessary Fighting. The supplement increases team, coach and player accountability through the tracking of repeat offenders, increased suspensions and significant financial penalties. It builds on the progressive regulations undertaken over the past decade by the participating Leagues and Branches to reduce bullying and violence from Junior A Hockey in Canada.

The pilot project was developed as a response to the implementation of Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which calls for an automatic game misconduct whenever a major penalty for fighting is assessed. The participating Member Leagues have gone one step further by targeting the types of dangerous plays that often result in fights and other types of violence. The Leagues within the pilot project will not be subject to Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which will be implemented across the remainder of the Leagues in CJHL.

Personally, I think this is a great move on several fronts.  First, bringing back the one fight rule would, in my opinion, be detrimental to the game.  Not only would you see an increase in 'star' players being targeted, but stick work would also increase, with very little accountability. 
 
This document also looks at other serious issues currently in the game, such as checking from behind, hits to the head, clipping, and staged fights.  All of these should be reduced with the introduction of this pilot project, and the subsequent penalties that are detailed for these actions.
 
For complete details about the Junior A Supplement, what areas are covered, and the potential penalties and suspensions, check this link out.
 
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/1413/graphics/Junior%20A%20Supplement%20-%20Supplement%20AUG17-2010.pdf
 
Also, if you want to hear what the presidents of the five leagues have to say about the Junior A Supplement, have a listen to this audio piece compiled by myself and Robb Hunter with Bonnyville.
 
http://www.box.net/shared/ib3kiida9f