what is hockey boarding ?

Introduction

Boarding is a penalty in hockey that is called when a player hits an opponent into the boards in a dangerous manner. The severity of the penalty depends on the degree of violence of the hit and the vulnerability of the opponent.

There are three main types of boarding:

• Minor boarding: This is the least serious type of boarding and results in a two-minute minor penalty.
• Major boarding: This is a more serious type of boarding and results in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
• Match penalty: This is the most serious type of boarding and results in an ejection from the game and a suspension.

The Dangers of Boarding

Boarding can be a very dangerous penalty, as it can lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with boarding include:

• Head injuries: Head injuries are the most common type of injury associated with boarding. These injuries can range from concussions to skull fractures.
• Spinal injuries: Spinal injuries are also a serious risk associated with boarding. These injuries can range from sprains and strains to spinal cord injuries.
• Neck injuries: Neck injuries are another serious risk associated with boarding. These injuries can range from sprains and strains to broken bones.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries are less common, but they can still occur as a result of boarding. These injuries can include liver lacerations, spleen injuries, and kidney injuries.

How to Prevent Boarding

There are a number of things that players can do to help prevent boarding. These include:

• Being aware of your surroundings: Players should always be aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for potential boarding situations.
• Keeping your head up: Players should keep their head up and be aware of the position of the boards. This will help them to avoid being hit from behind or blindsided.
• Not putting yourself in a vulnerable position: Players should avoid putting themselves in vulnerable positions, such as turning their back to an opponent or skating with their head down.
• Not retaliating: Players should not retaliate against opponents who board them. This can only lead to further violence and injuries.

Conclusion

Boarding is a serious penalty in hockey that can lead to serious injuries. Players can help to prevent boarding by being aware of their surroundings, keeping their head up, and not putting themselves in vulnerable positions. By following these simple tips, players can help to make hockey a safer sport for everyone.