On October 28th, 2008, BCHockey, the provincial organization responsible for managing minor hockey in the province, instituted a new regulation requiring all coaches in any on-ice BCHockey sanctioned event (game/practice/camp) to wear helmets. Prior to the issuing of this new regulation wearing of helmets by coaches was recommended but not required.
Hockey Canada had been threatening to bring in a similar regulation for years but have failed to do so. BCHockey brought in the regulation after the death of a coach on-ice in Alberta. The main reason for having the regulation is not, as most people believe, to prevent injuries to coaches (although that is also great side-effect). The main reason is to deal with the insurance costs associated with on-ice personnel. If you can reduce the risks on the ice, you can reduce the cost of the insurance required.
Having run my own hockey camp this past summer, I can tell you that the major cost was not the ice time, but the insurance associated with the on-ice activities.
Despite the inherent logic of the regulation (no face-shield or other protective equipment required, just the helmet), there was the inevitable string of hollow arguments that “it should be up to the coach”, or “this will drive experienced coaches away”, blah, blah, blah.
There was one argument, however, that BCHockey didn’t expect. It came from a coach in the lower mainland who was Sikh. For religious purposes, he is unable to remove his turban and wear a helmet. In response to the challenge made by this coach, BCHockey has made a religious exemption available.
I am quite frankly shocked at the common sense shown here. It’s a smart, fair way to address the situation and it’s nice to see for a change.