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