USA Hockey Concussion information
USA Hockey requires that players who exhibit any signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or are suspected of sustaining a concussion are immediately removed from any training practice or game.
Any suspected concussions or head injuries must be reported to the Wizards CHC Players Safety Rep, who is responsible for working with the CHC district player safety coordinator regarding any suspected concussions.
Any athlete held out for concussion evaluation or diagnosed with a concussion must provide a written "USAH Return to Play Form" from a qualified medical professional affiliated in CT (Physician, Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered nurse, APRN, OR Certified Athletic Trainer), allowing them to return to any training, practice, or game activity with no restrictions.
The parent must sign the form, and the Head coach must acknowledge that they received it. Once the coach has received/signed the form, it must return to the Wizards Players Safety CHC Rep for approval before the player may return to the ice.
If a player has received a concussion through another sport, coaches must request a letter from their qualified medical provider clearing them for unrestricted activity before they can return.
USAH Action Plan Guidelines
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
- Remove athlete from play
- Ensure the athlete is evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
- Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
- Allow athletes to return to play only with permission from an appropriate healthcare professional.
It's better to miss one game than the whole season.
