Safety and Protection

Play Hard, Play Safe, Have Fun

Hockey is a fast-paced sport, and in an instant, a player, coach, or official’s life can be changed by an injury. AHAI is committed to promoting safe play and raising awareness of risks, including concussions and other serious injuries.

Concussions are a significant concern in youth hockey, especially during games. USA Hockey requires that all concussions be reported. Reports are used only for tracking and education—not to target or label players.

• Who to contact: Report all injuries, especially concussions, to Anita Lichterman, AHAI Player Safety Coordinator at playersafety@ahai.org.
• Required details: Include the team, league, player info (optional), date, time, type of injury, circumstances, medical response, and expected recovery timeline.
• Concussion reports: Submit the details above by email and complete the Concussion Reporting Form.
• Return to play: Players diagnosed with a concussion must provide a Return to Play Form [Link to PDF] signed by both a parent and a medical professional before returning to the ice.

Tracking injuries helps AHAI and coaches develop safer training methods and teach players how to protect themselves on the ice.

Effective August 1, 2024, USA Hockey requires neck laceration protection for:

• All youth players in games and practices
• On-ice officials under age 18

Neck guards, along with cut-resistant socks, sleeves, and undergarments, are strongly recommended for all players, including adults. This change reflects USA Hockey’s commitment to reducing risks and improving protective equipment.

Player safety starts with leadership. Coaches, officials, and parents shape the environment on and off the ice. Encouraging respect, sportsmanship, and safe play helps reduce injuries and ensures hockey remains a positive learning experience for every player.

When a player makes unsafe choices, they not only risk injury but also show disrespect for themselves, their team, their opponents, and the game itself. Coaches and players alike should ask: What kind of leader do I want to be? The answer should always reflect safe play, respect, and development both on and off the ice.

• Heads Up Concussion
• USA Hockey Concussion Information
• Mayo Clinic: Ice hockey experts prioritize ways to reduce concussion risk
• Concussion.org: The Impact Report with Michael Stuart, MD
• FHP Blog: Hockey Concussions are Serious Business

For more information, please contact: