At Guelph Minor Hockey Association, player safety is our top priority. To enhance awareness and reduce the risks associated with concussions, we are implementing a new Concussion Protocol Policy, effective immediately.
Why This Matters:
Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries, can lead to serious, long-term health complications if left untreated. Symptoms can include memory loss, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, among others. Early identification and proper management are critical to protecting the well-being of our athletes.
With baseline testing, GMHA aims to create a safer environment by making it easier to detect concussions and follow safe return-to-play protocols, as outlined by Hockey Canada.
Key Updates:
Mandatory Baseline Assessments: Beginning with the
2024-25 hockey season, baseline concussion assessments will be
mandatory for players on
U14 and older Representative Teams (AAA, AA, A & B).
Assessments must be completed before October 15, 2024. These Assessments will be booked directly by your Coaching Staff and communicated to you (Families are not to book individually).
Players who do not undergo these assessments will be ineligible to participate.
Gradual Rollout:
Mandatory baseline assessments will expand to include all players in Representative and House League teams across our association. Please refer to the full updated policy for the full rollout plan.
Concussion Education & Awareness:
We have partnered with Shift Concussion Management to provide free educational sessions for team trainers and GMHA members, in combination with online training modules that reflect the latest in concussion management. This training is essential to improve recognition and treatment of concussions across all age groups.
To learn more about the updated protocol and the next steps, please review the full
Concussion Protocol Policy here.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of all our players.