Safety in Hockey

The following information is for players, coaches, and parents. Please take time to complete this program and to visit the web sites found on the resource list.

Mayo Clinic Hockey Research GroupMike Stuart, MD Dave Krause PT, DSc

Aynsley Smith, RN, PhD

Concussions:

A concussion occurs only when you lose consciousness (black out)?

A concussion occurs only when you lose consciousness (black out)?No - Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness

You are checked into the boards and now have a mild headache, you did not “black out”. Is it OK for you to return to the game?

You are checked into the boards and now have a mild headache, you did not “black out”. Is it OK for you to return to the game?No – you should never return to play while symptomatic (you don’t feel right)

Once you have one concussion, are you more likely to have another?

Once you have one concussion, are you more likely to have another?Yes – once you sustain a concussion, you are more likely to have a second. Proper diagnosis and treatment, including adequate time for healing, are crucial

Concussions are obvious?

Concussions are obvious?No – Unlike many injuries, concussions are not always obvious

All concussions are serious and need evaluation by a qualified health care provider

Players:Never return to play while symptomatic

(you don’t feel right).If you think you have a concussion, tell

your coach and your parents Coaches

“if in doubt, sit them out”

Signs that you might have a concussion

HeadacheNauseaBalance

problems or dizziness

Double or fuzzy vision

Sensitivity to light or noise

Feeling sluggishFeeling “foggy”Change in sleep

patternsConcentration

or memory problems

Seeing stars or flashing lights

Just don’t feel right

Coaches

If you suspect a player has experienced a concussion, follow these steps:Remove from play!!!Do not leave the player alone as

symptoms may worsenInform parents or guardians Player needs an evaluation by an

appropriate health care professionalReturn only with permission/guidance

from a qualified health care professional

Equipment:

Some of the new helmets protect you from a concussion.

Some of the new helmets protect you from a concussion.No - Helmets are good at providing protection from injuries such as lacerations and fractures. They are not effective in protecting you from concussion

Mouth guards are effective in minimizing the risk of concussion?

Mouth guards are effective in minimizing the risk of concussion?Mouth guards are good at providing dental and oral protection. They may provide limited protection from concussion.

Summary on equipment: there is no “concussion-proof” helmet nor is any other equipment effective in protecting a player from concussion

To stay safe:Don’t let your head hit the boardsDon’t deliver checks to the headDon’t check from behind

Preventing Neck Injuries

When sliding into the boards, to protect your neck, the safest position of your head and neck is…?

When sliding into the boards, to protect your neck, the safest position of your head and neck is…?Extended or “heads up” position

Neck or spinal injuries only happen at fast speeds

Neck or spinal injuries only happen at fast speedsFalse – neck and spinal cord injuries can occur at relatively low speeds. The position of the head is critical in preventing these injuries

Two simple rules when hitting the boardsDon’t DuckHit the boards with anything but the head first

Drills in practice are necessary to reinforce proper technique

Keeping yourself, your teammates, and your opponents safe Know where the puck is Know where your teammates are Know where your opponents are Know where you are skating to Be ready for contact (as well as ready

for a pass or a shot) Keep your stick down Control your temper Avoid goal posts when driving net Prepare for impact along boards

Checking

Checking is simply “PART” of hockey, along with skating, shooting, passing, puck handling…

What is a legal check?

What is a legal check?A check of opponent who has the puck

Use of hip or shoulder to check from the front or side (NOT THE BACK)

No more than 2 strides

NEVER CHECK FROM BEHIND!

When skating for a puck at the boards, which of the following is the best strategy?

1. Take a direct or straight path to the puck to get there as quick as possible

2. Skate in at an angle

3. Let the other player get there first and then check him

When skating for a puck at the boards, which of the following is the best strategy?

1. Take a direct or straight path to the puck to get there as quick as possible

2. Skate in at an angle

3. Let the other player get there first and then check him

Skate in at an Angle“Angling in”

Go in on an angle

Head upStable position

•Knees bent•Feet apart

Skates parallel to the boards

Keep feet moving

Lean into impact

Forearms, hands ready to spread out impact

Avoid hitting the boards with head or tip of shoulder

Summary Concussions and neck injuries

Play HEADS UP HOCKEY If you think you might have a concussion, tell your

coach/parents Checking

NEVER check from behind – respect opponents Checking is simply part of the game of hockey Always be aware on the ice and prepare yourself to

receive contact Coaches, players, and parents

Promote, encourage, and practice safe play and sportsmanship

Have fun, work hard, keep yourself, your teammates, and your opponents safe!

If you think you’ve suffered a concussion… Contact Mayo Clinic Sports

Medicine Center507-266-9384

Schedule a concussion evaluation

Resources

USAHockey.com has links to a variety of concussion resources.

http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=ET_02_02&ID=292516\

USA Hockey heads up program http://www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=E

T&id=182214

The CDC has a wealth of up-to-date information http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/index.html

SportsConcussions.org is also very informative http://sportsconcussions.org/Returntoplay.html