Do Youth Hockey Coaches Allow Players With a Known Concussion to Participate in a Game?

Ice hockey is a high-risk sport for concussion. It is important that coaches have an understanding of concussion, although previous studies have demonstrated poor knowledge of concussion recognition and management by youth coaches. A cross-sectional survey with 7 case scenarios was completed by 314 youth hockey coaches. Each case scenario described a player with a concussion during a game, and scores reflected how the coach would respond to each scenario. Although most coaches would not allow a player to continue participating in a game after suffering a concussion, there was a small percentage that would. Statistical analysis found an inverse relationship between the coaches' age and consideration of continued participation. This places athletes at significant risk for further injury and is not consistent with current concussion guidelines. USA Hockey should provide additional concussion training for their coaches as well as mandatory health care clearance following a concussion.