Hitting

This weekend during a hockey tournament, I was informed that at the Pee Wee level, which is ages 11-12, kids are no longer allowed to hit each other. This is the first year of the new rule, and I do not understand why it has been changed. When I was 11 years old, I remember being so excited to be able to finally hit. Whether some people like it or not, it is a part of the sport of hockey. I disagree with the rule change, because at that age, I believe kids are less likely to get hurt from a check, than they are as they get older and stronger. At this age, kids can learn how to hit the correct way. When I started my Pee Wee year of hockey, all kids had to go through a clinic and learn how to give a hit, and take a hit. It is a huge part of the game, and as kids get older they certainly get more reckless. Teaching them at a younger age I believe is safer in the long run. Getting used to contact is good for younger kids, because as they get older, hits only get harder and harder. Not only does it toughen kids up, it teaches them about the game. Also, the kids who played their first year of Pee Wee last year, have to change their game. Going from being able to hit to not being able to hit I’m sure is very difficult. I disagree with USA Hockey’s decision to ban hitting for Pee Wee’s.