Information on Concussions
Facts and Prevention
What is a Concussion?
“Concussions are the most common form of head injury caused by an impact or forceful motion of the head or other part of the body” – Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT)
“A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury – or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull…” – Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How Does a Concussion occur?
“Any blow to the head, face or neck area, or a blow to the body causing a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion (e.g. a force to the head, falling to the ground, receiving a body check” “Athletes don’t have to be ‘knocked out’ to have suffered a concussion. In fact, only 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness.” – SIRC
Can Concussions be Prevented?
“Concussions are part of any sport. There is no way to completely eliminate concussions, but there are ways to significantly reduce the amount of concussions that occur. Discover three opportunities for concussion prevention in sport. 1. Changing behaviours in sport; 2. Changing rules and guidelines; Changing training techniques.” – SIRC
“While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a helmet can help protect your child or teen from a serious brain or head injury” – SIRC
All on-ice participants shall wear a CSA certified hockey helmet, with proper chinstrap affixed – Ringette Canada – 2019-2021 Rule Book
Videos
Assessment
Signs and Symptoms (Concussion Recognition Tool, Adult & Child)
“The signs (0bserved in individual) and symptoms (experienced by individual) consistent with concussion include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Blurred vision or seeing “stars”
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in the ears
- Confusion or fogginess
Some symptoms may be delayed for hours or days after an injury and can include:
- Frustration or irritability
- Concentration or memory issues
- Sadness
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping”
- Concussion Resources for Workers & Workplaces, CATT
Protocol (Concussion Management Guidelines)
Ringette Canada believes that everyone involved with Ringette Canada should take all necessary precautionary steps to prevent and reduce brain injuries, inform themselves as to the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and take accountability around their role in the prevention, identification, and return to health of a Participant suffering from a brain injury. Accompanying Ringette Canada’s Concussion Policy, these Concussion Management Guidelines provide guidance in identifying signs and symptoms of a concussion, the suggested responsibilities of coaches and other team staff, return to play guidelines, and the reporting mechanisms for instances of possible concussions. These guidelines are consistent with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (Parachute, 2017). Ringette Canada Concussion Management Guidelines 2018
For Coaches
Making Headway eModule
Making Head Way is the National Coaching Certification Program’s (NCCP) free, online answer to the prevalence and ambiguity of concussion in sport. Parents, coaches, and athletes all benefit from knowing as much as possible about concussion and this onlines learning tool is designed to help coaches gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of their athletes. The Making Head Way NCCP module covers: what to do to prevent concussions, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, what to do when you suspect an athlete has a concussion, and Return to Play and Return to Learn protocols.
Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) Making Headway E-Learning
Concussion Preseason Education Sheet (RC)
For Parents
Concussion Preseason Education Sheet
Parent and Player Concussion Information Form
RC Policies and Forms
- Ringette Canada Concussion Policy 2018
- Ringette Canada Concussion Management Guidelines 2018
- Athlete Concussion Medical Report Form
- Concussion Emergency Action Plan Template
- Concussion Incident Report Form
- Parent and Player Concussion Information Form
Links
- Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT)
- Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) Making Headway E-Learning
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – HEADS UP to Youth Sports
- Team Up Speak Up
- Concussion Legacy Foundation
- SIRC