Player Safety & Concussion Information
The right response, fast.
Injury protocols, required forms, and training for coaches, parents, officials, and team managers. Know what to do before something happens — not after.
USA Hockey Concussion Return-to-Play Form
Required before any player returns after a concussion. Must be signed by a licensed health care provider — not a coach or manager.
USA Hockey Player Safety Hub
Full injury management guide, protocols, and safety resources from USA Hockey's Player Safety Department.
Recognize
Signs observed by coaches and parents: appears dazed, forgets instructions, moves clumsily, answers slowly, loses consciousness, or shows personality changes.
Symptoms reported by players: headache, nausea, dizziness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling "foggy" or just not right.
Remove & Report
Any player showing signs or symptoms is removed from play immediately — no exceptions. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Notify the parent or guardian on site. Document the incident and report it to Evan Turcotte at playersafety@nhselects.com.
Return to Play — Four Steps
No player returns to practice or competition without completing all four steps and submitting the USA Hockey Return-to-Play Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
Step 1: Complete rest until symptom-free at rest. Step 2: Light aerobic exercise with no resistance training. Step 3: Sport-specific exercise. Step 4: Full-contact practice — only after medical clearance. Each step requires a minimum of 24 hours with no symptoms before progressing.
Spinal Injury
If a player is down and you suspect a neck or spine injury: do not move the player. Stabilize the head and neck. Call 911. Keep the player calm and still until EMS arrives. Do not remove the helmet.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Start hands-only CPR immediately. Send someone — don't go yourself — to retrieve the rink's AED. Know where the AED is located at MacMorran before every event. Early CPR and defibrillation are the difference between life and death.
Neck Laceration Protectors — Required
Neck laceration protectors are required for all players under 18 effective August 1, 2024. Cut-resistant socks, sleeves, and undergarments are strongly recommended for all players.
Player safety doesn't end at the boards. Mental well-being affects how players show up on the ice, at home, and in relationships. NH Selects recognizes both mental health and mental performance as part of a complete player development program.
Mental Health
Emotional well-being and overall psychological functioning. Anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma can affect any player, coach, or family member — and how they show up in the game and at home.
Mental Performance
Managing stress, staying composed after a bad shift, keeping focus in high-stakes moments, and bouncing back after a tough loss. A player can be mentally healthy and still benefit greatly from these tools.
If a player or anyone on your team is in crisis, call or text 988 any time, day or night. Free, confidential support.
Coaches and officials can earn player safety continuing education units (CEUs) for CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Stop the Bleed. NH Selects strongly encourages all coaches, managers, and parents to complete these courses.
Questions about a protocol, an incident, or player safety at NH Selects? Contact us directly.
playersafety@nhselects.com →