Concussion Protocol
“When in doubt, sit them out”
The St. Louis Lady Cyclones follow USA Hockey guidelines for concussion management.
Any athlete with a suspected Sports Related Concussion (SRC) is immediately removed from play.
The USA Hockey Concussion Management Program includes a Concussion Recognition Tool and a step-by-step guide for concussion management.
It’s the responsibility of coaches, team managers, and parents to be familiar with these steps.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Signs Observed by Coaching Staff
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets sports plays
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can't recall events after hit or fall
Symptoms Reported by Athlete
- Headache or "pressure" in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Does not "feel right"
Action Plan
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
- Remove athlete from play
- Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
- Inform athlete's parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
- Allow athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional.
Note: Players with a concussion should not be allowed on the bench, even with protective head gear.
Return to Play
Under USA Hockey guidelines, written clearance from a qualified health care provider is required for an athlete to return to play without restriction (training, practice, and competition).
That form should be submitted to the Central District safety coordinator.
Only the USA Hockey Return to Play Form is acceptable.
Helmet Certification
Parents are responsible for ensuring player helmets are in good condition and meet USA Hockey requirements.
Under USA Hockey Rule 304(c) all players must wear an HECC-certified helmet with no alterations and straps properly fastened. The helmet must have an HECC certification sticker that shows an expiration date. Players are not allowed to wear a helmet that has expired.
Players on team benches and penalty benches are required to wear protective helmets/facemasks at all times.
The HECC website provides a list of approved equipment, recalls, and any other consumer alerts.
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