Pacific District

Statement of Concussion Protocol

Statement of Protocol:

When concussive activity is suspected, an athlete will be removed from participation until he/she can be evaluated by a medical professional trained in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions, then cleared to safely return to participation.

USA Hockey requires this signed acknowledgement at the time of registration for all members: Parents, athletes, coaches, volunteers, administrators and officials.

The Pacific District Concussion Protocol includes the additional terms and conditions:

•  An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury shall be immediately removed from participation for the remainder of the day. Removal can be at the request of a coach, official, team manager, parent/guardian, program administrator, onsite EMT/ATC or the athlete.  The one-day rule is Pacific District Protocol and supersedes any state legislation allowing same day return to participation.

• An athlete removed from participation for evaluation shall not be permitted to return to participation until evaluated and released by an appropriate medical professional (trained in the management of concussions, and acting within the scope of his/her practice).  A written release or medical clearance must be provided to the team manager prior to return to participation.

• If a concussion is diagnosed and concussion management protocol has been enacted for an athlete, there is no review period or negotiation as to the course of action and return to participation outside of the recommendations of the evaluating medical professional who has been selected to treat the athlete, in conjunction with the District protocol, national acknowledgement and applicable state laws.