[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/stay-ahead-game\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/stay-ahead-game\/","headline":"Concussion Safety and Hockey","name":"Concussion Safety and Hockey","description":"As fun and exciting as hockey can be, there is still the risk of injury, including the risk of concussion.","datePublished":"2016-03-09","dateModified":"2021-03-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","name":"Sports Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/sports-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hockey-Injuries.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hockey-Injuries.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/stay-ahead-game\/","about":["Concussion","Health Topics A-Z","Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":359,"keywords":["Coach Category 3","concussion","hockey","safety","signs","symptoms"],"articleBody":"As fun and exciting as hockey can be, there is still the risk of injury, including the risk of concussion. In fact, a recent study found that ice hockey has the second highest incidence of concussion among prominent high school sports. While there\u2019s increasing awareness about concussion risk in football, it\u2019s still a little known fact that there are nearly just as many concussions in ice hockeyIn youth ice hockey, the risk is even higher. In fact, among 12-14 year olds, the risk of concussion is 2.4 times higher than it is among 15-18 year olds. Most concussions are the result of player-to-player contact, with 43 percent occurring as a result of illegal contact.To stay safe on the ice and help minimize the risk of concussion, follow these tips:Avoid Risky or Aggressive PlayThe most recent policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness recommends delaying the introduction of body checking until the age of 15. Youth leagues that allow body checking have higher concussion rates than those that do not.Always Wear a HelmetEven though a helmet can\u2019t prevent concussion, it can help to minimize the risk of concussion, as well as the risk of skull fracture.Teach Players to Obey the Rules and Enforce PenaltiesDr. Anthony Kontos, the research director of UPMC\u2019s Sports Medicine Program said, \u201cBetter enforcement of existing penalties for illegal hits \u2013 especially those from behind when players are less able to protect themselves \u2013 may help to limit concussion in youth ice hockey.\u201dRecognize the Signs and Symptoms of ConcussionKnowing the symptoms of a concussion is important for players, coaches, and parents in helping to identify potential concussions. Symptoms can include severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and in some cases recurrent vomiting.After a Suspected Concussion, Remove the Athlete From PlayThe athlete should be immediately removed from play until cleared by a medical professional trained in concussion management and treatment. Once an injury occurs the brain is in an extremely vulnerable state and more susceptible to additional injury. If ever in doubt about a concussion, always sit it out."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Concussion Safety and Hockey","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/stay-ahead-game\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]