Hockey Canada Concussion Policy

Date: November 3, 2017

To: Minor Hockey Associations, Sr/Jr Club Teams, Leagues

From: Jeremy Haluschak, Manager, Business Operations

SUBJECT: Hockey Canada Concussion Policy

Hockey Canada has developed a new policy that is designed to act as a framework to concussion prevention in the game and sets expectations around education, awareness, and responsible return-to-play at all levels.

All members of Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta are to adhere to this policy. Key points include:

• Participants suspected of having a concussion are to be removed from the activity immediately; if in doubt assume a concussion has occurred.
• Participants must be referred to a physician for diagnosis as soon as possible.
• Once a participant, who is experiencing concussion like symptoms is diagnosed, the participant is not permitted to return to play or practice/training until all six of the return to play requirements are met.
• Each step must be documented.
• Written clearance from a physician is required prior to returning to activity.
• No participant shall be pressured to return to play prior to the steps being completed.
• A copy of this documentation must be maintained by the local association or club team.

As part of the initial implementation of this policy, Hockey Alberta expects its members to:

• Communicate the information and expectations related to this policy to your teams including: coaches, trainers, managers, athletes, and parents
• Ensure your teams are adhering to the expectations for the management of concussions
• Add links to the Hockey Alberta concussion site and Hockey Canada Concussion Toolbox to your own site

Hockey Alberta is committed to supporting our members in the implementation of this policy. Concussion recognition tools, checklists, posters, videos etc are available on the Hockey Alberta website (hockeyalberta.ca/concussions). Included is the full Hockey Canada policy, links to the Hockey Canada Concussion Toolbox (https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/safety/concussions/concussion-toolbox), and the Hockey Canada Concussion app.

Hockey Alberta will continue to identify, develop, and communicate resources to assist in the management of concussions and to assist in making the implementation smooth for our members.

Should you have any questions about this policy, concussions, or anything related to player safety please contact Jeremy Haluschak, Manager, Business Operations, jhaluschak@hockeyalberta.ca.

(This bulletin is available as a pdf)