5.28 MEDICAL CLEARANCES (RETURN TO PLAY)
Removal from Sport and Return to Sport Protocol
1) If a player has an existing injury or concussion (verbally communicated or via a Medical Assessment Letter) they will not be allowed to be on the ice until the player’s coach/trainer receives a Medical Clearance Letter from the player’s health professional. The coach/trainer must forward this document immediately to the appropriate Vice Chair Representative Teams. The Vice Chair will review the Medical Clearance Letter to ensure completeness and then forward immediately to the SHA Registrar who will scan and input the letter into the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).
2) If a player has been diagnosed (Medical Assessment Letter) or has symptoms of a concussion during an SHA or non-SHA activity, the coach/trainer must be notified and the player will not be allowed to participate on the ice until a Medical Clearance Letter (for those that have been diagnosed with a concussion) or Medical Assessment Letter (indicating that the player did not have a concussion) from their health professional is provided. The coach/trainer must forward this document immediately to the Vice Chair Representative Teams. The Vice Chair will review the Medical Clearance Letter to ensure completeness and then forward immediately to the SHA Registrar who will scan and input the letter into the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).
3) If a player incurs an injury during a game or practice such that they require treatment by a medical professional, they will not be allowed to return to the ice until the player’s coach/trainer receives a Medical Clearance Letter from the player’s health professional. The coach/trainer must forward this document immediately to the Vice Chair Representative Teams. The Vice Chair will review the Medical Clearance Letter to ensure completeness and then forward immediately to the SHA Registrar who will scan and input the letter into the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR).