USA Hockey Concussion Protocol

USA Hockey requires that players who show any signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, or who are suspected of sustaining one, be immediately removed from any training practice or game.

USAH Action Plan Guidelines

If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:

1. Remove the athlete from play
2. Ensure that an appropriate healthcare professional evaluates the athlete. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3. Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about the known or suspected concussion and provide them with the fact sheet.
4. Allow athletes to return to play only after a qualified healthcare professional gives permission.

It's better to miss one game than the whole season.

Report any suspected concussions or head injuries to the Wizards CHC Players Safety Rep, who works with the CHC district player safety coordinator on suspected concussions.

USAH RETURN TO PLAY FORM: Any athlete held out for concussion evaluation or diagnosed with a concussion must provide a written "Return to Play Form" from a qualified medical professional affiliated with CT (Physician, Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, APRN, or certified athletic trainer), allowing them to return to any training, practice, or game activity without restrictions. 

PLEASE NOTE: Parents who are health care professionals are NOT permitted to medically clear their own child, due to the conflict of interest. 

IMPORTANT: The parent must sign the form, and the Head Coach must sign and acknowledge receipt. Once the coach has received and signed the form.

NOTE: Leave District/Affiliation and Name of person reporting Blank.

The completed form MUST be returned to the Wizards Players' Safety CHC Rep. 

Lorraine Winslow, coachielorraine23@gmail.com, for approval before the player may return to the ice.

If a player has had a concussion in another sport, coaches must request a letter from their qualified medical provider clearing them for unrestricted activity before they can return.

RETURN TO PLAY: Form below to send to parents

This sheet has information to help protect your Players from concussion or other serious brain injury. Use this information to learn how to spot a concussion and what to do if a concussion occurs.