Essa Minor Hockey Policy
Head Injuries/Concussions
In recent years more emphasis has been placed on head injuries and in particular concussions. As a direct result the EMHA has put in place effective the 2015-2016 season a policy that will be used to protect a players heath and remove all doubt with respect to the proper process team officials and members must follow to play with Essa Minor Hockey.
Several points of note:
1) A player suspected of a concussion must stop play immediately. Whether this happens during an EMHA event on or off ice or in a game or practice trainer must remove the player from participation.
2) Prior to being allowed to return to the ice the player must get evaluated by a doctor (family physician preferred) . Depending on the physicians diagnosis will determine the next step. The player will not be allowed to return to play until he/she has a note by a medical physician.
3) If the player is cleared to return to the ice the trainer will closely monitor the player to ensure there are no new symptoms.
4) Should the player be diagnosed with a concussion he/she SHALL follow the return to play protocol as prescribed by Hockey Canada and described below.
5) Any members/players found to have been in violation of this policy will be immediately suspended until the information has been reviewed by the EMHA and a disciplinary hearing has taken place to determine any further action. (It should be noted that parents are considered members of the EMHA. If they or the players are found to have been negligent in informing the EMHA of any information or actions that may or may not have happened during time with EMHA they can also be suspended and declared a member not in good standing. this will affect the ability of that player to play in the OMHA.)
*EMHA has partnered with a CCMI clinic located in Angus to help kids return to play. This is one of many clinics in Ontario that have become very helpful for people returning from brain injuries. It is recommended by the CCMI clinic that a baseline test be completed prior to playing sports such that when a player is suspected of a concussion or has been diagnosed with a concussion that they are able to prescribe methods to help the athlete return to play more effectively. Please refer for more information on our website. This is not a service we are requiring but are recommending for the safety of our children.
RETURN TO PLAY PROCESS
The return to play process is gradual. If any symptoms/signs return during any steps in this process, the player must be re-evaluated by a physician or CCMI clinic. No return to play is permitted if any symptoms or signs persist.
**Steps 1 to 5 must be completed with consultation between the CCMI practitioner /physician and the parent/guardian. A Doctor’s clearance note MUST be submitted to your Trainer after completion of Step 5 and before movement to Step 8.
Step 1: No activity, only complete mental and physical rest. Proceed to
Step 2 only when all symptoms are gone. This includes avoiding both mental and physical stress.
Step 2: Light cognitive activity (i.e. ½ hour of reading max.)
Step 3: Half day at school (restrictions)
Step 4: Full day at school (restrictions)
Step 5: Light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling.
Monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting.
Doctor’s Note
Step 6: (individual) Sport specific activities and training (e.g. light skating, anaerobic, aerobic workout). Still no gym. Trainer/CCMI clinic professional supervises the transition.
Step 7: (team) 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 8 after medical clearance (Reassessment and note to be submitted to your team’s Trainer).
Doctor’s Note
Step 8: Begin drills with body contact after medical clearance. (I.e scrimmage).
Step 9: The athlete should have one full practice, at least, prior to full game play.
Step 10: Game play. Constant assessment by EMHA trainer.