I don’t want to scare you, simply make you aware that according to research “for children, hockey has the highest concussion rate in team sports, even more than football.”
That same research also says that “concussions account for 15% of injuries in hockey players aged 9-16 [based on estimates].” The best part of that statistic is that 85% of injuries aren’t concussion related. Not that we love any injury, but some are easier to treat than others.
The thing about concussion is that you may not realize your child even has mild concussion, so it is valuable to talk about it and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms.
You may think only a big hard hit causes concussion
When you think about concussion you automatically go to seeing someone hitting their head really hard on the ice or the sideboards. And yes, that is a surefire sign that player will likely suffer from concussion.
But what about when the player gets their head snapped back quickly or is bumped and their head moves quickly from side to side. These movements go unnoticed and yet they could cause concussion.
You probably don’t even realize that this could result in concussion. And it can and does.
The brain is a very delicate organ. It is soft and can be impacted by strong movement. Movement that is not ‘normal’ for it. Imagine putting a boiled egg into a jar of water. You take that jar and travel around with it in your bag all day. How many times will that egg be suddenly bumped sharply against the side of the jar? What happens if you drop the jar? The force of the impact on the egg, of hitting the floor could mean that it would dent, or perhaps split open.
Our brains are a little more resilient than that, yet at the same time, as delicate.
That’s why it is important to understand and notice the signs of concussion so that you can monitor your child and ensure they aren’t playing in a situation where their brain function could be further damaged if they got hit again.
Concussion resources
Hockey Canada has a great resource page that provides information and things you need to know, both as a parent, player and coach.
The key is understanding the impact of concussion, what signs may show up and then what to do if you notice the signs.
Remember, we aren’t talking about the obvious signs. Your child might not have a headache. They may simply feel off, be a bit quieter, slightly nauseous, and more tired than usual for example.
You might like to download this Concussion Guide for Parents to help answer any questions you may have about the signs, symptoms and treatment of concussion.
And remember there are specialized clinics out there that treat concussion. These Doctors and Physical Therapists understand what has occurred for the brain to respond the way it has. They therefore understand the best way to support the body to return to as normal a state as possible.
If you are at all concerned about your child, get them checked out by a professional. Don’t be fearful be educated.
Having trouble with the mental side of the game of hockey? Karen Cherrett, Mental Skills Coach can help with that. She coaches players to understand how their thoughts impact their game; Parents how to support their child's mental wellness; and Coaches to understand mental skills management for their players.