Concussions are serious, cumulative and a risk in hockey. Here’s what to watch out for in your teammates after any impact, particularly involving the head:
USA Hockey – Concussion Signs https://www.usahockey.com/safety-concussions:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets sports plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can’t recall events after hit or fall
What happens when signs are noticed
Captains and HOps will bench skaters after a concerning impact out of an abundance of caution.
If you lose consciousness as a result of an impact, we will call your emergency contact and/or the ambulance.
Concussions alter a person’s perception temporarily and can compromise their judgment of the situation – thus the person involved is not a reliable witness. We encourage teammates to speak up on behalf of each other.
We will not require a doctor’s note to return, but we encourage you to get evaluated by a medical professional if possible and take all the time you need to return.
For more info, read the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html