Letter to the Team Trainer…

 
Dear Team Trainer,

On behalf of the Silver Seven Hockey Club we would like to thank you for volunteering for this important role and committing your time to make the 2015-2016 season a great success for your team.

We believe that your role is important for the safety of our youth participating in the Silver Seven Hockey Club.

We hope you will find this year’s Team Trainer’s Handbook a helpful resource, please send any feedback or comments and suggestions to Chris Kettyle (risk@silversevenhockey.com).

Thank you for contributing to the success of our Hockey Club and for creating a great experience for our players.
 
Sincerely,
OVSS Board of Directors

Table of Contents

 
Letter to the Team Trainer…... 2
THE TEAM TRAINER.. 4
Hockey Canada Risk and Safety Program.. 5
Downloads and Forms. 5
ODMHA Injury Procedures. 5
Medical Information Sheets. 5
Emergency First Aid Kit 5
Emergency Action Plan for Hockey. 6
INJURY REPORTS - PROCEDURE.. 7
Concussion Awareness. 8
Appendix A – Player Medical Information Sheet 10
Appendix B – Concussion Awareness. 12
Appendix C – Injury Report Form.. 14

 

THE TEAM TRAINER

A knowledgeable, interested trainer is an essential, valuable part of the team coaching staff. The trainer’s skills are very important in the immediate care of serious injury and recognition of injuries that can produce long lasting effects on the Players. Information on the specific workshops available to become a trainer can be obtained on the ODMHA website at odmha.on.ca
 
THE TEAM TRAINER SHALL
 

• Adhere to the objectives and policies of the Hockey Trainer's Certification Program and of OVSS. and its Constitution, Bylaws, Regulations and decisions.
• Not condone, encourage, engage in or defend unsportsmanlike conduct or practices.
• Strive to achieve the highest level of competence and education possible.
• Hold periodic equipment checks throughout the season.
• Ensure they and/or the team manager obtains an adequate number of sweaters for his players in dealing with the Equipment Manager.
• Ensure they and/or the team manager distributes team sweaters at the beginning of the season and collecting and returning them to the Equipment Manager.
• Ensure that the OVSS goaltender equipment (if applicable) is properly cared for as per instruction from the Equipment Manager.
• Never intentionally mislead or lie about their qualifications, education or professional affiliations.
• Recognize that personal problems and conflicts might occur which may interfere with their effectiveness. Accordingly, they should refrain from undertaking any activity in which their personal problems are likely to lead to inadequate performance or harm to an athlete or colleague.
• Not practice or permit discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, religion, or national origin.
• Maintain the medical information/records on each of the Players and will establish an E.A.P. (Emergency Action Plan) in the case of an emergency.
• Ensure that the required accident/injury reports are completed and is responsible for certifying that injured Players only return to play with the appropriate signed medical authorization.
• Identify and Report potentially dangerous situations that may lead to injury (i.e. ice surface, boards, dressing rooms).
• Establish open communications between Players, coaches and parents.
• Strive to improve their knowledge in the field of Athletic/Hockey training.
• Promote healthy living standards.
• Set a sportsmanlike example for the Players, coaches and fans.
• Never leave an injured Player alone.
• Establish an emergency medical plan in the event of an injured player requiring medical attention.

 

Hockey Canada Risk and Safety Program

The Hockey Canada Risk and Safety Program is a development initiative of Hockey Canada and is a volunteer safety program. The Hockey Canada web site has a wealth of information on this subject and is a must have resource for all trainers and volunteers involved in hockey safety.

Downloads and Forms

The Hockey Canada Safety Requires Teamwork Information Guide is an information guide to Hockey Canada's Risk Management and National Insurance Programs. The Hockey Canada Injury Report form is available in this guide for trainers.
Every team should have an Emergency Action Plan. Trainers are responsible to have a Emergency Action Plan for their team. Hockey Canada's provides some guidelines for an Emergency Action Plan.
Trainers should also review the Hockey Canada Safety Person Tips Guide available from the Hockey Canada web site.

ODMHA Injury Procedures

The ODMHA has a procedure to be followed by Trainers when documenting an injury which requires the removal of a player from play. See the Injury Reports procedure section in this handbook.

Medical Information Sheets

Every participant should complete a “Medical Information Sheet”, copies for completion will be provided to you by the S7 Hockey Club. Two copies should be created and kept safely in folders, one for the trainer and one for the coach. The “Medical Information Sheet” is provided by Hockey Canada. See Appendix A.

Trainer Kit and First Aid Supplies

The Equipment Manager shall provide every team with a trainer kit and first aid supplies at the beginning of the season, the rolling kit is to be returned.
 

Emergency Action Plan for Hockey

• Person in Charge
  • Most qualified person available with training in first aid and emergency control.
  • Familiarize yourself with arena emergency equipment
  • Take control of an emergency situation until a medical authority arrives
  • Assess injury status of player http://www.hockeycanada.ca/e/develop/safety/downloads.html
• Call Person
• Know the location of emergency telephone
• Have a list of emergency telephone numbers
• Know the directions to arena
• Know the best route in and out of arena for ambulance crew
• Ensure proper room to work for person in charge and ambulance crew
• Discuss emergency action plan with: Arena staff, Officials, Opponents
• Ensure that the route for the ambulance crew is clear and available
• Seek highly trained medical personnel (i.e., MD, nurse) if requested by person in charge
• Control Person

   Equipment Locations    
Please locate and identify areas on rink map. (i.e., first aid room, defibrillator, route for ambulance crew, land line telephone access, address of arena for dispatch, etc…)

Emergency Telephone Numbers    

• Emergency
• Ambulance
• Fire Department
• Hospital
• Police
• General

Procedure for Reporting an Injury
 
Each player on the team must have a completed medical information sheet and the trainer should have the forms accessible at every team function, this includes but is not limited to games, practices and tournaments.

An ODHA Injury Report Form must be completed in the following cases:

• If a player or team official is injured during a game and misses more than one period.
• If a player or team official is injured during a practice or other association-sanctioned function and requires medical attention.
• If a player or team official reports an injury after the fact (e.g. player is injured during a game and continues play, however attends a doctor the next day for the injury).

It is imperative that the above form is completed in a timely manner to ensure that any potential insurance claims are dealt with appropriately.

Any player returning from an injury must present a doctor's letter* stating clearance to participate in minor hockey (with or without contact).

Any team official and this includes:
-Referee
-Timekeeper
-Coach
-Assistant Coach
-Manager
-Trainer
Returning from injury must present a doctor's letter stating clearance to participate in minor hockey in their previous capacity.

If there is an injury that meets the above criteria the Silver Seven Hockey Club requests that our Director Risk and Discipline be notified as soon as possible risk@silversevenhockey.com further it is required that a copy of any of the above form be scanned and sent via email.
 
For Head Coaches & Trainers:

Deliver the original partially completed "Canadian Hockey Injury Report" to the injured player's parents/guardians to finish filling out the details. Explain to them that this form is used to register a potential claim for expenses related to the injury should the parents/guardians incur expenses not covered through
1) provincial health coverage or
2) by personal insurance through their employer.
When completed, they should mail the form within 90 days to the ODMHA offices along with any original receipts.

Mailing Address:
Ottawa District Hockey Association
1247 Kilborn Place - Suite 300
Ottawa, Ontario
K1H 6K9

Note: The guardians and Head Coach should keep a copy of all documentation submitted to the ODHA.

Doctor's Letter:
With respect to players returning to play, muscular and skeletal injuries (excluding fractures) can be signed off by physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, or nurse practitioners. Fractures as well as all neurological injuries including spinal injuries and concussions must be signed off by a physician. (Note this does not pertain to the Hockey Canada Injury report Form related to the insurance program. This will still need to be completed by a physician or a dentist if a dental injury).

 

Concussion Awareness

The Four R's

1. Respect for all players, especially yourself
2. Read the concussion card
3. Recognize the symptoms of concussion
4. React to it

Prevention for Players

1. Respect all players, coaches and officials.
2. Make sure your hockey helmet fits and is fastened properly.
3. Be aware - play heads-up hockey.
4. Wear a properly fitted mouthguard.
5. Always use correct bodychecking techniques and never hit another player from behind or in the head.

ALERT - Repeat concussions can severely affect one's lifestyle. It is a Hockey Canada Policy not to send a player back on the ice unless that player has fully recovered

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  
 
Coach & Safety Person Protocol

1. Keep your concussion card handy.
2. During the pre-game talk, check and remind players of team attitude.
3. Discourage open-ice checks to the head.
4. In case of injury, check for symptoms of concussion/neck and spinal injuries.
5. Monitor the player for listed symptoms, if present remove the player from the game.
6. Permit the player to return to play only after medical clearance.
7. Instruct parents/guardians to inform medical personnel if it is a repeat concussion.

Appendix A – Player Medical Information Sheet

Source: Hockey Canada
 
Name: _____________________________________________________
Date of birth: Day ______ Month ______ Year ________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
Postal Code: ___________________ Telephone: ____________________________ Mother’s Name: _____________________ Father’s Name: ____________________ Business Telephone Numbers: Mother ____________ Father : ____________
Person to contact in case of accident or emergency, if parents are not available.
Name: _________________________________ Telephone: ____________________
      Address: _____________________________________________________________
      Doctor’s Name: __________________________ Telephone: ___________________
      Dentist’s Name: __________________________Telephone:____________________
Please circle the appropriate response below pertaining to your child
Yes No      Previous history of concussions
Yes No      Fainting episodes during exercise
Yes No      Epileptic
Yes No      Wears glasses
Yes No      Are lenses shatterproof?
Yes No      Wears contact lenses
Yes No      Wears dental appliance
Yes No      Hearing problem
Yes No      Asthma
Yes No      Trouble breathing during exercise
Yes No      Heart Condition
Yes No      Diabetic
Yes No      Has had an illness lasting more than a week in the past year
Yes No      Medication
Yes No      Allergies     
Yes No      Wears a medic alert bracelet or necklace.
Yes No      Does your child have any health problem that would interfere with participation on a hockey team?
      Yes No      Has been in hospital in the last year.
      Yes No      Presently injured.
 
Please give details below if you answered “Yes” to any of the above items.
Use separate sheet if necessary
 
                                                                                                                              
Medications: ______________________________________________________
Allergies: _________________________________________________________
Medical conditions: _____________________________________________________
Recent Injuries: ________________________________________________________
Last Tetanus Shot:______________________________________________________
Any information not covered above:________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
   
 

• Any medical condition or injury problem should be checked by your physician before participating in a hockey program.
• I understand that it is my responsibility to keep the Team Management advised of any change in the above information as soon as possible and that in the event no one can be contacted, Team Management will take my child to a Hospital/ M. D. if deemed necessary.

 
 
I hereby authorize the physician and nursing staff to undertake examination investigation and necessary treatment of my child.  I also authorize release of information to appropriate people (coach, physician) as deemed necessary.
   

Appendix B – Concussion Awareness

Source: Hockey Canada
 
Always assess airway, breathing and circulation.
All players who experience a concussion must be seen by a
physician before the player can return to play.
Definition: Change in mental state (confusion) as a result of
a trauma. May involve loss of consciousness.
Mechanism: Blow to the head, face or jaw.
May result from a whiplash effect to the neck.
Types of Concussion
First Degree: Player experiences brief period of
confusion. There is no loss of
consciousness. Symptoms are completely
gone in less than fifteen minutes.
Second Degree: Player experiences a loss of consciousness
(however brief) or player experiences
symptoms beyond fifteen minutes. Player
should see a physician immediately.
Common Symptoms and Signs
Vacant Stare Dizziness
Poor coordination Ringing in the ears
Delayed responses to questions Seeing stars
Nausea, vomiting Sensitivity to light
Inability to focus Sensitivity to noise
Headache
Please note that some symptoms/signs may appear later
so player should be observed even after symptoms/signs
seem normal.
Mental Status Testing
For information only. Do not attempt to treat a concussion.
Always have the player consult a physician.
Orientation: Does the player know what the exact time
and place is? Does the player know the
circumstances of the injury?
Concentration: Can the player spell “world” backwards?
Memory: Does the player know the score of the game?
Concussion Management
Any Loss of Consciousness – Initiate Emergency
Action Plan and Call an Ambulance

• Rule out possible neck injury
• Remove the player from further play
• Do not administer medication
• Notify the parent or guardian about the injury
• The player does not return to play unless permitted to
• do so by a physician

Return To Play
The return to play process only begins after a physician
has given the player clearance to return to activity. If any
symptoms/signs return during this process, the player
must be re-evaluated by a physician.
1. No activity, complete rest. Proceed to step 2 only when
symptoms are gone and a physician has given the player
clearance.
2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary
cycling. Monitor for symptoms.
3. Sport specific training (e.g. skating).
4. Non-contact drills.
5. Full contact practices.
6. Game play.
Note: Player should proceed through the steps only when it
has been demonstrated that there are no return of symptoms.
This includes long term symptoms such as, fatigue, irritable
behaviour or sleep disturbance. If any symptoms return the
player should drop down to the previous level and must be
re-evaluated by a physician.
Prevention
Players

• Make sure your helmet fits snugly
• Get a custom fitted mouth guard
• Respect other players

 
Safety Person/ Trainer

• Discourage checks to
• the head
• Recognize signs and
• symptoms of concussion