SAFETY

As a parent, coach, volunteer and administrator we strive to create the safest environment possible for our young players.  So, what components truly make up a safe environment? The following are broad areas that we must create emphasis around and must continue to integrate into the games day to day business!

Skill Development

From the basic skills to the more complex we have to continue to develop all players. From Initiation to Senior at all skill levels we need to integrate LTPD ideals and Hockey Canada’s Development Programming.

Respect

Respect is reflected by five simple statements:

1. Respect the rules.
2. Respect the officials and their decisions.
3. Respect your opponent.
4. Give everyone an opportunity to participate.
5. Maintain your self control at all times.

Rules and Enforcement

Hockey Canada has a high turnover rate among officials from year to year. A big reason for this is abuse. Much of officiating is learned from experience. If we reduce the abuse, we will reduce the amount of officials who quit, resulting in a higher quality of officiating. When someone quits officiating, another rookie official takes his or her place. This can result in the same mistakes being made, and the cycle of inexperience and ineffective officiating continues. Everyone…..please give officials a chance to improve. That is what Hockey Canada’s Shared Respect Initiative is all about, respecting the role of all participants of the game – players, coaches, officials and parents.

Part of respect is respecting the rules, if parents, coaches and administrators respect the rules we will go a long way in influencing our kids to do the same. Stay safe! Respect the Rules!

Equipment

Become knowledgeable about equipment and ensure to take the time to ensure that your son or daughters equipment is adequate.

Facilities/Playing Area

Before and during all games and practices, check and monitor the playing area to ensure that:

• • The ice surface is free from debris, bumps, ruts or bare spots
  • All rink gates are securely closed and will open and close easily
  • There are no protrusions from the glass, boards, nets or ice surface
  • Proper lighting is in use at all times
  • There is no debris on the floor of the players’ bench area that may become stuck on the blades of skates or damage skate blades
  • Facility management has been monitoring air quality for dangerous emissions or gases and you are aware of the symptoms of toxic gas poisoning such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
  • You notify facility management of risks that require the intervention of staff (e.g. defective lighting or heating). For more serious on ice risks, facility management should be notified immediately and players should not be allowed on the ice until the risk is eliminated.
  • Always follow-up in writing when informing facility management of any safety risks, and copy your letter to both your Association and Branch.
  • As a spectator, watch for pucks and areas where pucks could leave to playing surface!

Click here for a handy facility safety checklist.
 

 

REPORTING AN INJURY

Each player on the team must have a completed Medical Information Sheet and the trainer should have theses accessible at every team function, this includes but is not limited to games, practices and tournaments.

A Hockey Canada Insurance form and Injury Report must be completed in the following cases:
 

• If a player or team official is injured during a game and misses more than one period.
• If a player or team official is injured during a practice or other association-sanctioned function and requires medical attention.
• If a player or team official reports an injury after the fact (e.g. player is injured during a game and continues play, however attends a doctor the next day for the injury).

It is imperative that the above forms are completed in a timely manner to ensure that any potential insurance claims are dealt with appropriately.

If there is an injury that meets the above criteria the CPMHA requests that Risk and Safety be notified as soon as possible at safety@cpmha.ca further it is required that a copy of any of the above forms be left in the Risk and Safety mail slot at the arena.
 
The Injury Report is filled out for statistical purposes and can be submitted by fax to the ODMHA office (613-224-6079). This form can also be filled out electronically at this site. This "Injury Report" is designed to provide organized hockey in Ontario with the critical information on hockey injuries that is required to permit the hockey bodies in Ontario to discuss possible changes to enhance safety in the game of hockey. Note: All player information of a personal or injury nature that is recorded on this form is considered to be confidential and is not to be used in any manner to determine a player's future ability to play the game.

Deliver the original partially completed "Canadian Hockey Injury Report" to the injured player's parents/guardians to finish filling out the details. Explain to them that this form is used to register a potential claim for expenses related to the injury should the parents/guardians incur expenses not covered through 1) provincial health coverage or 2) by personal insurance through their employer. When completed, they should mail the form within 90 days to the HEO offices along with any original receipts.
Mailing Address:
 

Hockey Eastern Ontario

1247 Kilborn Place, Suite D300

Ottawa, ON KIH 6K9

Note: Keep a copy of all documentation submitted to the HEO.
 

 

LINKS

Hockey Canada Safety Program Downloads
Hockey Canada Emergency Action Plan
Hockey Canada Emergency Action Plan Flow Sheet
ODMHA Injury Report