USA Hockey Concussion Protocol
USA Hockey requires that players who exhibit any signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or 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:
- Remove the athlete from play
- Ensure that an appropriate healthcare professional evaluates the athlete. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
- Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about the known or suspected concussion and provide them with the fact sheet.
- Allow athletes to return to play only after receiving permission from a qualified healthcare professional.
It's better to miss one game than the whole season.
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 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.
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 received 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
