Factors affecting injury reporting in male hockey players aged 15-17

Abstract

This qualitative study examined factors affecting injury reporting in male hockey players aged 15-17. Seven participants volunteered for in-depth, semi-structured interviews. All were white middle class males playing AAA Midget hockey in Manitoba during the 2000-2001 hockey season. Players had been involved in hockey 7 years or more, with the average being 10.7 years. Players were asked to discuss their personal meaning of and experience with safety and injury in hockey. Individual injury definitions were characterized by personal tolerances for pain and dysfunction. Factors uncovered through interviews showed that these players' injury reporting decisions were affected by their perceptions of their team's situation, personal tolerances for pain, and playoffs (versus regular season). Players' reporting practices were based on their own personal definitions of 'injury', and their statements showed that the level of pain or dysfunction they would tolerate could increase depending on one or a combination of their team's situation, personal tolerances for pain, and playoffs. This study has practical implications for hockey policy, education programs, and future research. Recommendations are aimed at safety, injury prevention, and improving injury reporting practices in hockey.