Concussions
Concussion Prevention Resource Centre
Because of the contact nature of the game and the speed with which it is played, the brain is vulnerable to injury. Trauma may occur through direct contact to the head or face or indirectly through a whiplash effect. Injuries to the brain are characterized by an altered state of consciousness. It is the altered state of consciousness that is the key thing to look for with any head injury.
NOTE: Children are more sensitive to the effects of a concussion and may need to have a longer period of rest prior to returning to activity and the sport.
A concussion is a common injury, but since they cannot be detected on x-rays or CT scans, they have been difficult to fully investigate and understand. Fortunately, there have been many important advances in our knowledge of concussions, including how to identify, manage, and recover from a concussion. Although concussions are often referred to as ‘mild traumatic head injuries’ and often resolve uneventfully, ALL concussions have the potential for serious and long-lasting symptoms and so must be treated carefully and in consultation with a physician.
What causes a concussion?
Concussions are brain injuries caused by the impact of the brain with the inside of the skull. The impact causes damage that changes how brain cells function, leading to symptoms that can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (problems remembering or concentrating), or emotional (feeling depressed). A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body in any number of activities including sports. The Parachute website has more information.
Where can I learn about signs and symptoms?
HEO Concussion Protocols
Hockey Canada Concussion Web Page
What do I do if I think a player has a concussion?
Hockey Canada Concussion Card
Parachute Canada – For Coaches
Parachute Canada – For Parents
Return to play guidelines
Parachute Canada - Return to Sport Strategy
HTCP Return to Play Form
Prevention
Do hockey helmets prevent concussions?
Is there such a thing as a concussion helmet? The answer is a resounding NO! Helmets are important and very effective against localized head injuries such as skull fractures but they have limited effectiveness against concussions.
Suffice it to say that regardless of what you hear or read, concussion helmets do not yet exist. Reducing the concussion risk will require behavioural adjustments on many fronts.
Hockey Canada Equipment Fitting Video (YouTube)
How can a concussion be prevented?
Never check to the head
Hockey Canada adopted a new penalty for the 2002-03 season that is enforced at all levels of play within hockey in Canada. The penalty is checking to the head, and it was hoped that the enforcement of this rule would address and lead to the reduction of concussions in hockey at all levels of play within Hockey Canada.
Never hit from behind
Beginning with the 1985-86 season, Hockey Canada introduced a rule to eliminate checking from behind. With the implementation of rules, prevention and awareness Hockey Canada will continue to decrease the number of concussions in the game. But it takes more than this, it takes cooperation from all involved including parents to continue to enforce respect and safety in the game.
Concussion Prevention Training
Parachute Canada - Smart Hockey Program
Information for Parents
Hockey Canada Concussion Toolbox
Hockey Canada Safety Program
Rowan's Law Form
Injury/Medical Forms
Player Medical Information Sheet
HEO Injury Report Form - English
HEO Injury Report Form - Francais