Policies - Concussion Education
The Athens Youth Hockey Association treats the risk of concussion seriously and requires all coaches, players, and parents to be educated on the risks and return-to-play policies established by the State of Ohio for all youth sports organizations. While youth ice hockey has lower reported incidents of concussion as compared to boy’s youth football or girl’s youth soccer, it is still a fast-paced sport where contact between players can occur. As there has been a growing awareness of the impact of concussions in all youth sports over the past decade, the USA Hockey Association has also developed rule changes and coaching recommendations to reduce the incidence of concussions in youth ice hockey.
State of Ohio Concussion Resources
Ohio's Return-to-Play law (Revised Code 3313.539 or 3314.03) requires that all youth sports organizations educate participants and their families about the risk of concussion and enforce return-to-play policies. Please review the information below, even if you have already received this information as a result of participation in another sport.
If a Concussion is Suspected
If a player is involved in a situation or activity that a coach or official believes may carry a risk of concussion, the player will be removed from activity in order to be observed for symptoms of concussion. If a player shows symptoms of concussion, the player must be removed from practice or play immediately, and parents will be informed of the possible concussion.
The player is not permitted to return to play until a written clearance is received by the coach and by the Athens Youth Hockey Association Registrar from an appropriate health care professional.
Clearance must be from a Physician (M.D. or D.O.), a Diplomate in either Chiropractic Neurology or Chiropractic Sports Medicine, or a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician or other licensed health care professional working in coordination or consultation with a physician (M.D. or D.O.).
A copy of the clearance will be kept by the team. As symptoms can first be apparent well after the player leaves the rink, parents are responsible for notifying the coach and providing return-to-play clearance, even if the symptoms were observed or the injury was sustained in a non-hockey activity during the season.
Concussion Symptoms to Look For
Coaching Staff Observations
- 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 or after a hit or fall
Symptoms Reported by Player
- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- General confusion
- Does not “feel right”
How Parents Can Help Reduce Concussion Risk
- Reinforce with your hockey player that they should listen to coaches during practices and games, practice proper techniques, and avoid horseplay. Horseplay can result in both players and coaches striking their head on the ice.
- Reinforce with your hockey player that they should listen to officials during games and play within the rules, many of which are there for a player’s safety.
- Encourage your hockey player to develop overall fitness. Participation in other sports, training for agility and flexibility, as well exercise to improve strength can all reduce risk.
- Enforce the wearing of all proper equipment with your hockey player, including mouth guards, which are required for all youth players on the ice.
Updated Sept 28, 2024