Concussion Infomation
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell run, “ or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING
Did you know middle school athletes should receive a baseline concussion test every year and high school athletes every other year? Click below to find more information from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Prevention
- Teach proper skating technique (head up to see surroundings, knee bend for proper balance) and how to correctly give and receive a hit (see USAHockey.com for material). This is applicable for both boys and girls.
- Helmets must fit securely around the head and be fastened tightly.
- Perform neck strengthening exercises.
- Do not allow players to play in a dangerous manner. The attitude of the coach and parent plays a role in a player’s aggressiveness.
- Teach your players about the prevention, management, and treatment of concussions.
- Encourage all players to get a baseline test performed by health care professionals. Baseline tests enable medical staff to more accurately diagnose the severity of a concussion and monitor the athlete's readiness for returning to play.
ASSESSING A POTENTIAL CONCUSSION
The following are tools that can be used to assess a player if you suspect a concussion. These are not diagnostic tools. For proper diagnosis, the player should always be seen by a health care professional.
MEMORY: Ask the player questions they should know the answer to such as date, period, opponent.
FOCUS: Talk with the player, are they focusing on the conversation? Able to speak with coherent sentences?
PHYSICAL TEST: Ask the player to touch their finger to their nose numerous times, is the player able to do this properly?
While assessing the player, keep in mind the most common signs and symptoms of concussions.
EYHA CONCUSSION RESPONSIBLITIES
Coach
● Remove a player from activity when a concussion is suspected.
● Supervise the player.
● Notify the parent/guardian.
● Ensure the player does not participate in EYHA physical activity until properly cleared.
● Complete or ensure completion of the WAHA Concussion Report Form.
● Notify the Level Director and VP of On-Ice.
● Obtain and retain the completed Return-to-Play Form before allowing the player to resume any EYHA physical activity.
Family
● Have the player evaluated by an appropriate health care professional.
● Follow the health care provider's return-to-play recommendations.
● Obtain the completed Return-to-Play Form.
● Provide the completed form to the coach before the player returns to EYHA physical activity.
EYHA
● Follow applicable Wisconsin law and USA Hockey/WAHA requirements.
● Support coaches and families in following the concussion protocol.
● Maintain the required reporting and documentation process.