Facemasks Block Lower Visual Field in Youth Ice Hockey

Wearing a facemask (FM) reduces the spread of COVID-19, but it also blocks a person's lower visual field. Many new public safety rules were created in response to COVID-19, including mandated FM wearing in some youth sports like youth ice hockey. We hypothesized that FM wearing in youth hockey players obstructs the lower field of view and may impact safety. Youth hockey players (n = 33) aged 12.03 (1.6) years button press when they saw an LED on the floor turn on in two conditions (wearing FM or no FM) in random order. An interleaved one-up/one-down two-alternative-forced-choice adaptive staircase design was used. Visual thresholds were calculated for each condition and participant. The visual angle threshold (VAT) was determined using standing eye height and the linear distance from the tip of the skates to the visual threshold. Paired t-tests determined whether mask wearing changed the VAT. We modeled the probability a player could see the puck on their stick in four distinct scenarios to estimate the potential impact of FM wearing during hockey play. The average unmasked VAT (11.4 degrees) was significantly closer to the skates than the masked VAT (20.3 degrees) (p < 0.001). Our model indicated a significant reduction in ability to visualize the puck using peripheral vision when more upright while wearing a FM. FM wearing compromised their lower visual field, suggesting a downward head tilt may be necessary to see the puck. Playing ice hockey while wearing a FM may lead to unsafe on-ice playing conditions due to downward head tilt to see the puck.

IMAGES OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF ATHLETES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT OF THE TRAINING PROCESS OF THE YOUTH HOCKEY TEAM

Целью исследования было выявление возможности использования в целях научно-методического обеспечения тренировочного процесса на примере молодежной команды хоккеистов индивидуальных компьютерных полипараметрических визуальных «образов», отражающих адаптацию к физическим нагрузкам на этапах спортивной подготовки. Контингент исследования: 28 хоккеистов молодежной команды профессионального клуба в возрасте от 16 до 20 лет, со стажем занятий от 10 до 16 лет. Методы исследования: классические нагрузочные тесты оценки аэробной и анаэробной производительности: велоэргометрия с газоанализом и оценкой лактата на ступенях нагрузки и восстановления, специальные методы оценки максимальной анаэробной производительности, антропометрия и калиперометрия, пульсоксиметрия, электрокардиограмма, тонометрия, динамометрия, стабилометрия, биохимические методы, определяющие метаболический профиль и математико-статистические и графические методы исследования. С использованием технологии визуализации результатов полипараметрической диагностики функциональных состояний организма были построены индивидуальные компьютерные полипараметрические «образы» каждого хоккеиста команды с учетом его игрового амплуа по всем тестам, используемым при проведении этапного комплексного обследования в процессе научно-методического обеспечения. Использование новой технологии визуализации результатов тестирования, отражающих индивидуальную адаптацию и уровень общей физической работоспособности, позволяет сформировать «модельный» компьютерный полипараметрический визуальный «образ» для игроков различных амплуа, осуществить их ранжирование для формирования персонализированного прогноза построения спортивной тренировки и перспективности в избранном виде спорта с использованием разработанной информационной системы для сопровождения тренировочного процесса The purpose of the study was to identify the possibility of using individual computer polyparametric visual "images" that reflect adaptation to physical activity at the stages of sports training for the purpose of scientific and methodological support of the training process on the example of a youth hockey team. Study group: 28 hockey players of the youth team of a professional club aged 16 to 20 years, with 10 to 16 years of training experience. Research methods: classical load tests for evaluating aerobic and anaerobic performance: Bicycle ergometry with gas analysis and lactate assessment at the stages of loading and recovery, special methods for evaluating maximum anaerobic performance, anthropometry and caliperometry, pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, tonometry, dynamometry, stabilometry, biochemical methods that determine the metabolic profile, and mathematical-statistical and graphical research methods. With the use of imaging technology results of the polyparametric diagnostics of functional States of the organism was built individual computer polyparametric "images", every player of the team, given his roles in all the tests employed in conducting step a comprehensive survey in the process of scientific and methodological support. Using a new technology for visualizing test results that reflect individual adaptation and the level of overall physical performance, it allows you to create a" model "computer polyparametric visual "image" for players of various roles, to rank them to form a personalized forecast of building sports training and prospects in your chosen sport using the developed information system to support the training process

Exposures of Hypermasculinity: Aesthetic Portrayals of Disengaged “Hockey Boys” in a Specialized Sports Academy

The “boy crisis” in education has spurred responses to improve boy’s underachievement in schools, and one response has been to increase access to physical activity and sports. The rise in specialized sports academies within schools has created space for young elite male athletes to increase engagement in academics, as well as to meet the potential of athletes. This study, conducted with an elite U18 male hockey team, used photovoice as a means to enquire into male athlete experiences with the curriculum and disengagement in schools. When young male athletes use photography to document their experiences, through a Bourdieusian analysis, they reveal the ways in which an entrenchment of the “boys will be boys” and the “hockey boys” identities in schools perpetuate hypermasculine traits. Complacency by both participants and adults in the field of schooling contributes to elite male youth hockey players becoming both producers and products of these narratives, which are causing young men to be isolated within an exclusive heteronormative community.

Youth Sport Organizational Structure and Athlete Development

Chris Johansen is on the board for the Rockton Yuba Hockey Association, a robust and growing youth hockey association near St. Paul, MN. Parents in the association have brought to his attention a couple issues with the structural organization. Specifically, (1) some think athletes are limited in their opportunity to develop to their fullest potential because of the current structure of the association, and (2) others feel that if the youth hockey association was organized differently this would facilitate retention of players through high school. Chris has been charged by the president of the association to learn more about potential organizational changes and how these changes could impact the players and organization. Based on this information, the advisory committee has been asked to submit a recommendation to the board regarding potential organizational changes. The Integrative Model for Organizational Theory will be used to gain a better understanding of the organizational change process.