Concussion Policy

In December 2010 Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS) has established a policy designed to address head injuries (namely concussions) and placed responsibility for a player's return on the shoulders of his coach and physician..

The policy will be fully implemented as of January 1, 2011, however all teams are encouraged to follow the guidelines immediately. Designed to protect the player, the policy addresses diagnostic, symptomatic and return-to-play subject matter and lays out specific procedures to be followed.

“This is a crucial step in ensuring a safe environment for minor hockey players in Nova Scotia. With the increased focus and attention on head injuries, HNS is proud to be implementing and mandating precautionary measures,” said Lauchie MacIsaac, past president and chair Risk Management of Hockey Nova Scotia.

Hockey Nova Scotia Policy re: Head Injuries/Concussions

A. A player suspected of a concussion must stop play immediately. Whether this happens on or off- ice, in a game or practice, the coach must remove the player from participation and request of the parents that they refer the player immediately to a physician for diagnosis. Final decision here is that of the coach and parents must follow-up as requested. Once requested by the coach that a player visit a doctor as a result of concussion like symptoms, the player will not be allowed to return to play until he/she has been treated by and a note provided by a medical physician.

B. A player diagnosed as concussed by a medical physician must stop all on and off-ice activities immediately. This not a parental decision, but rather a responsibility of the coach. The coach must report this on a HNS injury report form and submit a copy to the president of their local minor hockey association or league.

C. All coaches under the jurisdiction of Hockey Nova Scotia must understand that they cannot allow any player diagnosed as concussed to return to practice or play without written permission from a physician and the player following the return to play guidelines listed below. This need not be the physician who diagnosed the concussion but must be aware of the concussion.

D. Such written approval must be submitted to the coach, who will inform the president of the local minor hockey association or league of the physicians report and that the return to play guidelines have been followed, as listed below, before said player assessed with such concussion is permitted to return to any form of hockey activity within the jurisdiction of Hockey Nova Scotia.

RETURN TO PLAY FRAMEWORK

The return to play process is gradual, and begins after a doctor has given the player clearance to return to activity.

Steps 1 through 4 must be completed with consultation between the parent/guardian and the coach.

Doctor’s clearance must be submitted to your coach or the Team Trainer/Safety Person after completion of step 4 and before movement to step 5, who will in turn inform the Association or League President.

*The player should only progress to the next step after 24 hours of no symptoms after completion of the previous step.

Step 1: No activity, only complete rest. Proceed to step 2 only when symptoms are gone.

Step 2: Light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling. Monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting.

Step 3: Sport specific activities and training (e.g. skating, anaerobic, aerobic workout).

Step 4: Drills without body contact. May add light resistance training and progress to heavier weights. The time needed to progress from non-contact to contact exercise will vary with the severity of the concussion and the player. Go to step 5 after medical clearance (reassessment and note to be submitted to your team’s Coach or training staff).

Step 5: Begin drills with body contact after medical clearance.

Step 6: Game play.

If symptoms or signs return, the player should return to the previous step, and be re-evaluated by a physician.

Failure of any coach, player, trainer, administrator or league to follow this policy and the guidelines herein will be suspended indefinitely pending a full investigation by Hockey Nova Scotia Risk Management.