Injury Protocol

The purpose of this resource is to ensure that MCHA players and captains all understand the protocol that must be followed when there is an on-ice injury.   

In all cases where calling 911 is required, do not delay.  If possible, it is best to have rink staff call 911 since they are in the best position to direct emergency services to the rink and correct entrances. 

Phase 1 - On-Ice Immediate Response

• Life Safety Assessment: Assess breathing, pulse, and consciousness. If a player is shows signs of a neck/spinal injury or is having a seizure, direct rink staff to call 911 immediately and do not move the player.  If a player is unresponsive and are either not breathing at all or taking only occasional gasping breaths, then direct rink staff to call 911, start CPR and deploy the rink AED immediately.  See the additional resources at the end of this page for CPR/AED training opportunities.
• Laceration Control: In the event of a skate blade cut, immediately apply firm and continuous pressure to the laceration.  Do not wait to see if the bleeding stops on its own.  Direct rink staff to call 911 if:
  • Bleeding is heavy, rapid, or spurting.
  • There is laceration to the neck, regardless of how deep it looks (due to the presence of critical blood vessels)
  • Bleeding cannot be controlled after 10 minutes of continuous, firm pressure.
• Immediate On-Ice Removal Triggers: Remove a player from the game if safe to do so.  A player MUST be removed if they experience contact to the head and exhibit any of the following.  A suspected concussion bars the player from returning to the ice that day (even if planning to play in another game):
  • Loss of consciousness or struggling to get up
  • Unsteady gait, stumbling, or loss of balance
  • Blank or vacant look, confusion, or slurred speech

Phase 2: Off-Ice Care & Supervised Monitoring

• Escorted Removal: Escort the player to the locker room or lobby. Assess for signs of concussion by asking simple questions like whether they know where they are, what day it is, who their opponent is, etc.  A player with suspected concussion must never be left alone - a team captain, designated teammate, or rink staff member must remain with them.
• Refusal of Medical Care Limit: Players may decline the rink staff calling 911 only if they are fully conscious, oriented, and showing no signs of cognitive impairment or severe trauma. If red-flag concussion symptoms are present, direct the rink staff to call 911 regardless of player objection.  Players may still refuse to be treated or transported by responding emergency services.
• Safe Transit: Ensure the player has a safe ride home.  Any player removed for a suspected concussion is strictly prohibited from driving themselves home and must be picked up by an emergency contact or a rideshare.

Phase 3: Record-Keeping & Follow-Up

• Documentation: Captain or delegate must work with rink staff to complete an injury report prior to leaving the facility that night.
• Report & Follow-Up: The following day or as soon as reasonably possible, captains must:
  • Notify the league staff for awareness and evaluation for supplementary discipline if needed
  • Follow up with the player to check on their status, and provide the player with the link to USA Hockey claim reporting if needed
  • If there was a confirmed or suspected concussion,  provide the player with the link to USA Hockey Concussion Protocol for return-to-play requirements

The call to action

Look out for your brothers and sisters, respect the game, and honor the love of Christ by ensuring every player makes it home safe.  Practicing true and sincere care for each other’s safety is how we live out our mission:  

“We exist to share the love of Christ through camaraderie and a great hockey experience.”  

Additional Resources:

City of Allen Community Safety Classes

Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Training