Concussion Protocol

Concussion and Return To Play Protocol

In recent years more emphasis has been placed on head injuries and in particular, concussions.  As a direct result, Innisfail Minor Hockey has put in place, effective the 2025-2026 season, a policy that will be used to protect a player’s heath and remove all doubt with respect to the proper process team officials and members must follow to play with Innisfail Minor Hockey.

Several points of note:

1)    A player suspected of a concussion must stop play immediately.  Whether this happens during an Innisfail Minor Hockey event on or off ice or in a game or practice, the 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 physician’s 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 in the Return to Play Protocol.

5)    Any members/players found to have been in violation of this policy will be immediately suspended until information has been reviewed by Innisfail Minor Hockey and a disciplinary hearing has taken place to determine any further action. (It should be noted that parents are considered members of Innisfail Minor Hockey. If they or the players are found to have been negligent in informing Innisfail Minor Hockey of any information or actions that may or may not have happened during time with Innisfail Minor Hockey, 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 IMHA.

6-Step Return to Play Protocol

The return to play strategy is gradual, and begins after a doctor has given the player clearance to return to activity. If any symptoms/signs return during this process, the player must be re-evaluated by a physician. No return to play if any symptoms or signs persist. Remember, symptoms may return later that day or the next, not necessarily when exercising!

IMPORTANT - CONSULT WITH THE TREATING PHYSICIAN ON RETURN TO LEARN PROTOCOLS. PLAYERS SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO RETURN TO SCHOOL FULL TIME PRIOR TO PROCEEDING THROUGH STEPS 5 AND 6 OF THE RETURN TO PLAY STRATEGY.

IMPORTANT - FOLLOWING A CONCUSSION AND PRIOR TO STEP 1 A BRIEF PERIOD OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REST IS RECOMMENDED.

STEP 1 Light activities of daily living which do not aggravate symptoms or make symptoms worse. Once tolerating step 1 without symptoms and signs, proceed to step 2 as directed by your physician.

STEP 2 Light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling. Monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or weight lifting.

STEP 3 Sport specific activities and training (e.g. skating).

STEP 4 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 5 after medical clearance (reassessment and written note).

STEP 5 Begin drills with body contact.

STEP 6 Game play. (The earliest a concussed athlete should return to play is one week.)

Note: Players should proceed through the return to play steps only when they do not experience symptoms or signs and the physician has given clearance. Each step should be a minimum of one day (but could last longer depending on the player and the situation). If symptoms or signs return, the player should return to step 2 and be re-evaluated by a physician.

IMPORTANT - Young players and some adults will require a more conservative treatment. Return to play guidelines should be guided by the treating physician.

HOCKEY CANADA CONCUSSION RESOURCES
hockeycanada.ca/concussion

PARACHUTE CANADA
parachute.ca/concussion