Concussion protocols in sports are becoming more strict and technically advanced, including for BC Hockey League (BCHL) teams and players.
On Aug. 15, the league announced all teams will implement a new web-based system that involves reporting on baseline, post-injury and return-to-play concussion tests.
“It’s great that every player in our league is going to have a baseline on feeling normal,” said Powell River Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer.
Sawyer had what he said was his biggest concussion at age 15 while playing for the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s North York Rangers.
“To this day, I have no recollection of the hit,” Sawyer said. “All I remember is what I was told.”
Sawyer was told he was blindsided and knocked unconscious after making a pass. When he came to, he said he was confused and dizzy. He suffered from headaches, had a sensitivity to light and concentrating for extended periods of time was very difficult after the hit.
Before the 2017/2018 season, each BCHL team completed its own baseline tests and kept the records. The new baseline testing app is a reliable concussion-assessment tool that makes appropriate sideline medical decisions and assists the league with monitoring and tracking league-wide concussion protocol compliance.
BCHL commissioner John Grisdale said giving the player, team and league access to results regularly does not address the on-ice cause of concussions.
Rules stipulate that any contact with an opponent’s head is considered a blow to the head and results in a penalty. Players who cross the line face additional sanctions.
Grisdale said the league has seen a major reduction in fighting, and blows to the head are monitored, but officiating and player discipline can always be improved.
“The BCHL is a development league; its young players and young officials are going to make mistakes,” Grisdale said. “The answer to all of that is additional training for officials to make sure they’re making the right call, but also making sure players who play undisciplined get caught and are sanctioned.”
Sawyer said coaches need to do a better job ensuring players are taught proper behaviour on and off the ice, as well as integrity and respect for the game.
