Player Safety & Mental Health
Ice hockey participation in the United States continues to increase with the expansion of youth, high school and junior programs. Opportunities for girls and women grow every year. Ice Hockey requires speed, power, and teamwork. The unique nature of the game of hockey results in specific injury patterns, some of which can be avoided.
Player Safety Chair
PLEASE FORWARD ALL CONCUSSION FORMS TO CARRIE BOWDEN
PARENTS - EVERY HOCKEY PROGRAM SHOULD HAVE A LOCKER ROOM POLICY
Parents - KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE!
WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR KIDS UNSUPERVISED AT HOME WITH 2-15 OTHER KIDS?
Every time your child goes to the hockey rink, there should be a locker room monitor in every locker room.
WHY?
Locker room monitors are crucial for safety, promoting appropriate behavior, and preventing negative interactions among players. They ensure the locker room environment is safe and respectful, and they can help prevent incidents of bullying, inappropriate behavior, or other misconduct.
Whenever players are present in the locker room, there must be at least one screened and SafeSport- trained adult present either in the locker room or near the door (within arm’s length and so the monitor can sufficiently hear inside the locker room), frequently checking and communicating with the players so they understand they are being monitored. Coaches can act as locker room monitors, however, we strongly encourage volunteer parents to fill this role to enable the coaches to focus on game or practice planning and preparation.
Return to Play Form
The USA Hockey Concussion Management Return to Play Form, is to be used after an athlete has been removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion and must be signed by their medical provider in order to return without restriction to training, practice or competition.
Click on the document link below to access the Return to Play Form.
Neck Laceration Protection Required as of August 1, 2024
Starting August 1, players competing in youth, girls, high school or junior hockey within USA Hockey are required to wear neck laceration protectors (NLPs) for all games and practices. In addition, on-ice officials under the age of 18 as well as players in all six disciplines within USA Hockey’s disabled hockey program are also required to wear NLPs.
While players in the adult age classification are excluded from the requirement, USA Hockey continues to recommend neck laceration protectors for those playing adult hockey and remains steadfast in encouraging the use of cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments for all players and on-ice officials.
“The focus and commitment to safety is evident each and every day at USA Hockey and this new requirement is a positive step forward in helping ensure the safest possible environment in our sport,” said Kevin Margarucci, manager of player safety for USA Hockey.
More Information on Neck Laceration Protection
https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1314371
BLEED KITS FOR EVERY RINK and TEAM
CAHA has provided Bleed Kits for every rink and some teams. Uncontrolled bleeding is a major cause of preventative deaths. Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, establishing hemorrhage as the most common cause of preventable death in trauma. There are several commercially available kits that have components necessary for an emergency. Hanging these off the glass in each scorer's box at every rink is ideal to access.
