Health & Safety Information
The goal of the NYHA and USA Hockey is to promote a safe and positive playing environment for all participants while continuing to focus on skill development and enjoyment of the sport. Click the links for more information on health, on and off-ice safety and more.
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CONSENT TO TREAT
For youth hockey, USA Hockey requires a Consent to Treat/Medical History Form to be completed for all players under 18. This form grants permission to medical professionals to administer care if needed during USA Hockey sanctioned events. The form typically includes sections for emergency contacts, medical history, and insurance information.
ILLNESS PREVENTION
Both the Novi Youth Hockey Association and Novi Ice Arena are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of viruses.
The Novi Ice Arena cleans and sanitizes the arena on a daily basis, and follows the guidelines set forth by the Oakland County Health Department.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work, the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
Tips on how to prevent and stop the spread of illnesses
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- If you're feeling sick or have flu-like symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other players and coaches
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
- Use individual water bottles
- Don’t try to “play through” the illness
- See your doctor
Concussion Resources & Information
A concussion is a brain injury, caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head that can have serious consequences. It can occur in any sport or recreational activity
Michigan was the 39th U.S. state to enact a law that regulates sports concussions and return to athletic activity. The law went into effect on June 30th, 2013.
The law requires immediate removal of an athlete from physical participation in an athletic activity who is suspected of sustaining a concussion. The student athlete must then receive written clearance from an appropriate health professional before he or she can return to physical activity.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell run, “ or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
ASSESSING A POTENTIAL CONCUSSION
The following are tools that can be used to assess a player if you suspect a concussion. These are not diagnostic tools. For proper diagnosis, the player should always be seen by a health care professional.
MEMORY: Ask the player questions they should know the answer to such as date, period, opponent.
FOCUS: Talk with the player, are they focusing on the conversation? Able to speak with coherent sentences?
PHYSICAL TEST: Ask the player to touch their finger to their nose numerous times, is the player able to do this properly?
While assessing the player, keep in mind the most common signs and symptoms of concussions.
BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING
Did you know middle school athletes should receive a baseline concussion test every year and high school athletes every other year?
Click below to find more information from Henry Ford Health.
Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Symptoms Reported by Athlete
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Just “not feeling right” or “feeling down”
MOUTHGUARDS
All players, including goalkeepers, in the 12 & under (Youth and Girls’) through Youth 18 & under (including High School) and Girls’ 19 & under age classifications are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all players wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.
For the first violation of this rule, the team shall be issued a warning. A misconduct penalty for an equipment violation shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper of that team for a subsequent violation during that game.
All players who wear the required, or recommended, protective equipment must wear it in the manner for which it is designed.
For violation of this rule, following a team warning, a misconduct penalty for an equipment violation shall be imposed.
NECK GUARDS
All players, including goalkeepers, in all age classifications except Adults are required to wear a neck laceration protector, designed for that purpose, that covers as much of the neck area as possible, and are recommended to wear cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. USA Hockey strongly recommends that Adult players wear a neck laceration protector designed for that purpose that covers as much of the neck area as possible and are also recommended to wear cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments.
All players who wear the required, or recommended, protective equipment must wear it in the manner for which it is designed.
For violation of this rule, following a team warning, a misconduct penalty for an equipment violation shall be imposed.