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Safety in Hockey. The following information is for players, coaches, and parents. Please take time to complete this program and to visit the web sites found on the resource list. Mayo Clinic Hockey Research Group Mike Stuart, MD Dave Krause PT, DSc Aynsley Smith, RN, PhD. Concussions:.
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The following information is for players, coaches, and parents. Please take time to complete this program and to visit the web sites found on the resource list. • Mayo Clinic Hockey Research Group Mike Stuart, MD Dave Krause PT, DSc Aynsley Smith, RN, PhD
Concussions: • A concussion occurs only when you lose consciousness (black out)?
A concussion occurs only when you lose consciousness (black out)? • No - Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness
You are checked into the boards and now have a mild headache, you did not “black out”. Is it OK for you to return to the game?
You are checked into the boards and now have a mild headache, you did not “black out”. Is it OK for you to return to the game? • No – you should never return to play while symptomatic (you don’t feel right)
Once you have one concussion, are you more likely to have another?
Once you have one concussion, are you more likely to have another? • Yes – once you sustain a concussion, you are more likely to have a second. Proper diagnosis and treatment, including adequate time for healing, are crucial
Concussions are obvious? • No – Unlike many injuries, concussions are not always obvious
All concussions are serious and need evaluation by a qualified health care provider • Players: • Never return to play while symptomatic (you don’t feel right). • If you think you have a concussion, tell your coach and your parents • Coaches • “if in doubt, sit them out”
Headache Nausea Balance problems or dizziness Double or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish Feeling “foggy” Change in sleep patterns Concentration or memory problems Seeing stars or flashing lights Just don’t feel right Signs that you might have a concussion
Coaches • If you suspect a player has experienced a concussion, follow these steps: • Remove from play!!! • Do not leave the player alone as symptoms may worsen • Inform parents or guardians • Player needs an evaluation by an appropriate health care professional • Return only with permission/guidance from a qualified health care professional
Equipment: • Some of the new helmets protect you from a concussion.
Some of the new helmets protect you from a concussion. • No - Helmets are good at providing protection from injuries such as lacerations and fractures. They are not effective in protecting you from concussion
Mouth guards are effective in minimizing the risk of concussion?
Mouth guards are effective in minimizing the risk of concussion? • Mouth guards are good at providing dental and oral protection. They may provide limited protection from concussion.
Summary on equipment: there is no “concussion-proof” helmet nor is any other equipment effective in protecting a player from concussion • To stay safe: • Don’t let your head hit the boards • Don’t deliver checks to the head • Don’t check from behind
Preventing Neck Injuries • When sliding into the boards, to protect your neck, the safest position of your head and neck is…?
When sliding into the boards, to protect your neck, the safest position of your head and neck is…? • Extended or “heads up” position
Neck or spinal injuries only happen at fast speeds • False – neck and spinal cord injuries can occur at relatively low speeds. The position of the head is critical in preventing these injuries
Two simple rules when hitting the boards • Don’t Duck • Hit the boards with anything but the head first • Drills in practiceare necessary to reinforce proper technique
Keeping yourself, your teammates, and your opponents safe • Know where the puck is • Know where your teammates are • Know where your opponents are • Know where you are skating to • Be ready for contact (as well as ready for a pass or a shot) • Keep your stick down • Control your temper • Avoid goal posts when driving net • Prepare for impact along boards
Checking • Checking is simply “PART” of hockey, along with skating, shooting, passing, puck handling…
What is a legal check? • A check of opponent who has the puck • Use of hip or shoulder to check from the front or side (NOT THE BACK) • No more than 2 strides
When skating for a puck at the boards, which of the following is the best strategy? • Take a direct or straight path to the puck to get there as quick as possible • Skate in at an angle • Let the other player get there first and then check him
When skating for a puck at the boards, which of the following is the best strategy? • Take a direct or straight path to the puck to get there as quick as possible • Skate in at an angle • Let the other player get there first and then check him
Go in on an angle Head up Stable position Knees bent Feet apart Skates parallel to the boards Keep feet moving Lean into impact Forearms, hands ready to spread out impact Avoid hitting the boards with head or tip of shoulder Skate in at an Angle“Angling in”
Summary • Concussions and neck injuries • Play HEADS UP HOCKEY • If you think you might have a concussion, tell your coach/parents • Checking • NEVER check from behind – respect opponents • Checking is simply part of the game of hockey • Always be aware on the ice and prepare yourself to receive contact • Coaches, players, and parents • Promote, encourage, and practice safe play and sportsmanship
Have fun, work hard, keep yourself, your teammates, and your opponents safe!
If you think you’ve suffered a concussion… • Contact Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center • 507-266-9384 • Schedule a concussion evaluation
Resources • USAHockey.com has links to a variety of concussion resources. • http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=ET_02_02&ID=292516\ • USA Hockey heads up program • http://www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=ET&id=182214 • The CDC has a wealth of up-to-date information http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/index.html • SportsConcussions.org is also very informative • http://sportsconcussions.org/Returntoplay.html