Concussion/Injury management guidelines
As an organization BYH greatly values every player's safety and while we wish injuries did not occur, we know that they will and want to ensure that your athlete returns to the ice as quickly and safely as possible if they are injured.
Head injury/concussion:
We will follow USA Hockey's guidelines/protocols regarding concussion management. I am attaching a document from USA hockey that outlines signs/symptoms, indications for immediate evaluation, and outlines an approved return to play protocol for you and your designated healthcare provider (PA, NP, MD/DO, ATC) to follow. There is also a return to play form that will need completed and reviewed by me before returning to the ice/full activity. We will not rush return to play for injuries, especially concussions.
Coaches are expected to notify me of any significant injuries as soon as possible so I can follow up closely with player/parent.
USA hockey concussion management handout:
USA_Hockey_Concussion_Management_Program.pdf (sportngin.com)
USA hockey return to play (RTP) form:
USAH_Concussion_RTP_Form.pdf (sportngin.com)
**completed RTP forms can be emailed (photo/scan) or given to me directly** (safety email below). If you need the form reviewed immediately, the coach can contact myself or BYH president/VP to review form for clearance to return to ice. Immediate availability of myself or others is not guaranteed so please be considerate of this.
General injury return to play protocol:
Athletes who are evaluated by a qualified health professional (MD/DO, PA, NP, ATC) and require more than 1 week of recovery to return to play or sustain significant injury, must submit the completed RTP form above. Simply fill out the information with all signatures and remove the top portion prior to submitting to me (safety director). This will help to ensure that athletes sustaining significant injury with prolonged recovery are followed up on. Minor injuries requiring recovery of only a few days and without significant ongoing symptoms/pain do not need RTP forms completed. Coaches can reach out to me directly with questions.
Examples of major injury (not complete): fractures/dislocations, significant sprains/strains, head injuries, recent surgery, mononucleosis, spinal injury, significant medical illness
Coaches have my personal contact information and parents may contact me at safety@bloomingtonyouthhockey.com if there are further questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ben Riegle
BYH Safety Director