Message from GVMHA / Risk Manager (2019-11-20)
Just a quick message regarding player safety and managing injuries.
The hockey season is now in full swing! As we all know, our sport is a fast-paced, action-packed game that is both physically and emotionally demanding. Injuries in hockey are inevitable and will occur. The vast majority of injuries are unavoidable and are part of the game.
During the initial incident, it is often difficult for the coaches / health & safety person to know the severity of the players injury or even if they are truly injured due to the adrenaline rush and the emotionally-charged situation. Most situations are clear cut whether players can continue playing or not. However, sometimes it will fall into that dreaded gray zone. Making a decision in these situations can be stressful and difficult due to multiple factors including: old school attitudes (“get up and play”), wanting to win the game, parent / coaching pressures, and the player often under reporting their symptoms. To muddy the situation even more is some injuries, especially, head injuries / concussions will have delayed symptoms.
Health & Safety / Coaches will make decisions based on player safety as their priority. It is always recommended that we err on the side of caution in these situations. It is also important that parents are involved and supportive of these difficult decisions.
If a player sustains an injury where he/she will miss time on the ice:
Feel free to contact the GVMHA Administrator (gvmha@shaw.ca) or the Risk Manager (riskmanager@vernonminorhockey.com) if there are any questions or concerns.
GAME ON!!
Helpful Resources / Links:
https://www.bchockey.net/RiskManagement/RiskManagement.aspx
https://www.bchockey.net/AdminAppForms/Hockey%20Canada%20Injury%20Report%20Form%202012-05-17.pdf
https://parachute.ca/en/program/smart-hockey/
Vernon office - #105 - 3402 27th Ave.
Phone: 250-542-3555 ext. 207
Fax: 250-542-4501
https://braintrustcanada.com/youth-concussion-clinic/#concussion-clinic-eligibility