What’s acceptable for boys should be acceptable for girls. USA hockey states the lack of checking to be based on safety and player development.  Does that mean safety and player development is not regarded in men’s hockey?  Obviously, not!  Women can safely develop in the sport with checking, just as men have throughout the years. Checking in hockey is an element of the game that has been around forever.  As a female player, we want to be able to play the game as it was intended. The ban on checking for females was begun about 30 years ago due to concerns of injury.  In 1990, less than 6500 girls were registered with USA hockey versus 70,000 today (and growing!).  With more competitive girls organizations looking to compete at the same level of sporting as their male counterparts - we need to equal the playing field. When females are playing against other females - they are more aligned developmentally.  We want equal sporting rules!