Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association (IFYHA) recognizes the serious nature of concussions. The IFYHA concussion policy is designed to protect the health and safety of our youth athletes. This policy provides guidelines and resources to empower coaches, parents and players with knowledge regarding concussion recognition, treatment and return to play protocol.

Policy: IFYHA will provide access to educational material to the athletes, parents, and coaches regarding recognition and management of concussions.

Procedure:

1)  At the kick off meeting of each season, athletes, parents will receive the following information regarding concussions:

2)  Parents/guardians and athletes will be required to sign a concussion agreement form documenting each athlete and parent/guardian has read the fact sheets and the concussion policy and agrees to comply with the policy before they are allowed to participate.

3)  All coaches must complete one of the following by December 31st:

4)  Coaches must provide documentation that they have completed one of the above options by December 31st. This documentation should be collected by the division directors and shall be good for three years and then must be renewed.

5)  IFYHA will make available a concussion symptom checklist at the rink for coaches to reference.

6)  IFYHA’s website will provide information and links for concussion education

 

Policy: IFYHA wants to ensure appropriate management when concussions are identified and safe return to play (RTP) for our athletes

Procedure:

1)  If during a practice or game or competition, it is reasonably suspected that a youth athlete has sustained a concussion or head injury and exhibits outward signs or symptoms of such, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, then the youth athlete shall be removed from play by a coach, parent, or a healthcare provider (HCP). Note that coaches are not medical professionals and have no authority to determine whether or not an athlete has sustained a concussion however, IFYHA empowers the coach to be responsible for removing a player when he/she observes signs and symptoms that may indicate an athlete is concussed.

2)  When a concussion is suspected, the coaching staff and/or director are responsible for notifying the parent/guardian.

3)  A player can not return to play the day a concussion has been reasonably suspected. Any player exhibiting any signs or symptoms of a concussion should be withheld from play. When in doubt, sit them out.

4)  If a player suspected of sustaining a concussion has no symptoms the following day, after a) physical activity such as climbing 3 flights of stairs, doing push ups or running to get their heart rate over 120 beats per minute AND b) can stand on one leg (either leg) with eyes open for 20 seconds or greater at least once with 3 attempts, the player may return to full activity without restrictions. However, if symptoms return during this subsequent RTP, the player shall be removed immediately for the remainder of the day, and we strongly recommend evaluation by a qualified HCP.

5)  The acting head coach has the final decision whether a player shall return to competition. Of course the parent/guardian always has the right to remove their child at anytime.

6)  Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine whether a concussion has or has not occurred. A qualified HCP includes:

  • Licensed physician or physician assistant
  • Licensed nurse practitioner
  • Licensed healthcare professional such as a licensed athletic trainer, sport-certified physical therapist, or other healthcare professional trained in concussion management.

**IFYHA website will provide an updated list of some qualified healthcare providers**

7)  Once a concussion has been established by a qualified HCP, only an qualified HCP can authorize subsequent RTP and such authorization shall be in writing. This RTP authorization must be submitted to the head coach and/or division director and retained by the division director.

8)  After clearance by an appropriate healthcare provider, the RTP protocol can be established by this healthcare provider.

9)  IFYHA recommends the following graduated protocol:

  • No exertional activity until asymptomatic.
  • When the athlete appears clear, begin low-impact activity such as walking, stationary bike, etc.
  • Initiate aerobic activity fundamental to specific sport such as skating, and may also begin progressive strength training activities.
  • Begin non-contact skill drills specific to sport such as stick-handling, etc.
  • Full contact in practice setting.
  • Game play/competition.

Athlete must remain asymptomatic to progress to the next level. (It is often suggested that an athlete not be allowed to progress more than one level per day.)

If symptoms recur; athlete must return to previous level and should be reevaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

10)  As a member of USA Hockey, treatment for injuries occurring during ‘sanctioned USA Hockey events’ (i.e. games and practices) are covered by the USA Hockey Insurance.

To review a description of the benefits, visit the USA Hockey website. (USA Hockey Insurance and Risk Management: http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/837074-insurance-and-risk-management)

 

Policy: IFYHA will make available a computerized neurocognitive assessment (baseline testing) for all appropriate aged youth athletes. IFYHA strongly encourages the use of this testing, however at this time it is not mandatory.

Procedure:

1)  IFYHA will fund the annual availability of the ImPACT test (or the like) to players 11 years and older (the ImPact test is not valid for ages under 11).

2)  IFYHA recommends players are tested every two years (the test is valid for two years).

3)  IFYHA will provide an explanation of what baseline testing is and why it is important at the annual season kickoff meeting and make available online.

4)  IFYHA will provide instructions on it’s website on how to have a player tested. Additionally, the IFYHA will provide instructions on post injury test for players who have sustained a concussion. These results will be made only to healthcare providers to remain in compliance with HIPAA.

ImPACT testing website: http://impacttest.com/

 

Additional Resources:

USA Hockey Concussion Management Program and Concussion Material Resources:: http://www.usahockey.com/safety-concussions

NFHS Concussion in Sports:  http://nfhslearn.com/courses/61064/concussion-in-sports