If a doctor has evaluated a player who has exhibited signs and symptoms of a concussion, that player may return to play only with a written note from the doctor, whether or not a concussion has been diagnosed.
A doctor's note is acceptable only if it is on the doctor’s official letterhead, Rx Note or letter stamped with the doctor's office address and contact information. The doctor’s note must state the diagnosis and when the player may return to play.
The doctor’s note must be submitted to the player's Head Coach. After receipt of the doctor’s note, the player’s Head Coach will have permission to return the player to play. The Head Coach shall promptly forward a copy of the doctor’s note to the appropriate Team Manager for retention with the team’s books and materials. Additionally, the Team Manager shall forward a copy of the doctor’s note to the Secretary of the DYHA board within 48 hours of receipt.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change the way your brain normally works.
Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. Also get information about getting a baseline concussion test can help medical professionals detect whether a concussion has occurred, the severity of the injury and when play can safely be resumed.
Click below for more information:
Concussion Facts: Read key facts from the Centers for Disease Control on preventing, recognizing and responding to concussions in athletes
Concussion Articles: Learn about concussion prevention in hockey in these two articles and what every player, coach and parent should know.
Concussion Test: In the event of a head injury, a baseline concussion test can help medical professionals detect whether a concussion has occurred, the severity of the injury and when play can safely be resumed. Learn more about how to take this important precaution.
More Concussion Resources: See these additional articles and resources on thi slist compiled by USA Hockey
Concussion Facts from the Centers for Disease Control
HEADS UP: CONCUSSION IN YOUTH SPORTS -- A Fact Sheet for PARENTS
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?
Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians:
If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
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
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”
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD PREVENT A CONCUSSION?
Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion.
Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and mouth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctlyLearn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION?
Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports.
Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your child had a recent concussion in ANY sport. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.
When in doubt...sit them out. It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
USA Hockey Magazine article on the signs and symptoms of a concussion, how a player suffers a concussion and how long he or she should remain out of action before returning to play
In the event of a head injury, a baseline concussion test can help medical professionals detect whether a concussion has occurred, the severity of the injury and when play can safely be resumed.
The test, called ImPACT, is available online or can be administered in a doctor's office. More information about the test, which is used by the NHL, NFL and many colleges and high schools, is available at: http://www.impacttest.com
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the ImPACT Concussion Test
What is it?
Cognitive, computerized test for concussion management, specifically return-to-play decisions
Measures cognitive baseline pre-concussion
Can be used after a concussion but it must be disclosed or measurements are invalid
Test length averages 30 minutes
Development and Use?
University of Pittsburgh MD’s and PhD’s
Peer reviewed and validity tested
Many pro and student sports teams currently use ImPACT
Keep copy of baseline test in hockey bag for use by medical porfessionals in event of injury
Why use it?
Player safety
Current methods do not address subtle changes from concussions – ImPACT can detect these
How is it administered?
Private physician office; Benefit: controlled administration, local physician has baseline at office for comparisons
The Center for Advanced Pediatrics. Office of Dr. Dobos in Norwalk, CT. $25/test, Ellen Fahey, APRN will administer the test. Call 203-229-2000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-229-2000end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-229-2000end_of_the_skype_highlighting to schedule an appointment.
Pediatric Healthcare Associates. Office of Dr. Lee in Southport, CT. $25/test. Call 203-452-8322 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-452-8322end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-452-8322end_of_the_skype_highlighting and ask for Lois to schedule an appointment.
It is a personal, family decision to use or not use the baseline test. This information is intended to help you make an informed choice
DVD/Videotape with examples of returning to play too soon after mild traumatic brain injury. www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi
ImPACT
ImPACT psychometric testing program is used by the NHL, NFL and many colleges and high schools. Download articles about returning to play guidelines after a concussion. www.impacttest.com
Returning to play after concussion
Dr. Alan Ashare discusses what you should know and do about returning to play after a concussion. Read the article | Guidelines
NHL.com feature article
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) and National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) team up on campaign. Read more
Minn. Hockey Journal article
A medical and psychosocial perspective on concussions in ice hockey. Read more
The 33 News article
News article and video about how a Texas hockey league deals with concussions. Read more
LA Times article
Los Angeles Times report on concussions among child athletes. Read more
Disclaimer:
The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained in this website is for educational purposes only. Such information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No one should act upon any information provided in this website without first seeking medical advice from a qualified medical physician.