Safe Return to Play Policy

1.      If during a game, practice or team event, a player sustains a direct or indirect injury, he/she is to be immediately removed from play. Trainers and coaches have the authority to make this decision.

2.      Following the removal from play, any player suspected to have sustained a concussion or injury is to be assessed by a medical doctor, to determine the extent of the player’s injury.

3.      Players diagnosed with an injury should rest until they are symptom-free and should then begin a step symptom program, only after they are without symptoms for a 24 hour period.

4. A medical letter stating permission to participate is required prior to returning to practice.

5.  Steps to return to play:
a) Rest until asymptomatic
b) Non-checking training drills (if applicable) – requires medical clearance to skate
c) Full contact training with checking (if applicable) – requires medical clearance to engage in contact (for non-checking) and checking (for levels with checking)
d) On-Ice practice with team - requires medical clearance to practice
e) Return to game play - requires medical clearance to play

There should be a minimum 24 hours for each stage involved and the athlete should return to the rest stage should symptoms recur.

FULL MEDICAL CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED BEFORE RETURN TO PLAY  

*See Reporting an Injury for more information.