Ice Hockey Summit II: Zero Tolerance for Head Hits and Fighting

Abstract

Objective: To present currently known basic science and on-ice influences of sport related concussion (SRC) in hockey, building upon the Ice Hockey Summit I action plan (2011) to reduce SRC. Methods: The prior summit proceedings included an action plan intended to reduce SRC. As such, the proceedings from Summit Iserved as a point of departure, for the science and discussion held during Summit II (Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, October, 2013). Summit II focused on Basic Science of Concussions in Ice Hockey: Taking Science Forward; (2) Acute and Chronic Concussion Care: Making a Difference; (3) Preventing Concussions via Behavior, Rules, Education and Measuring Effectiveness; (4) Updates in Equipment: their Relationship to Industry Standards and (5) Policies and Plans at State, National and Federal Levels to reduce SRC. Action strategies derived from the presentations and discussion described in these sectors were subsequently voted on for purposes of prioritization. The following proceedings include the knowledge and research shared by invited faculty, many of whom are health care providers and clinical investigators. Results: The Summit II evidence based action plan emphasizes the rapidly evolving scientific content of hockey SRC. It includes the most highly prioritized strategies voted on for implementation to decrease concussion. Conclusions: The highest priority action items identified from the Summit include: 1) eliminate head hits from all levels of ice hockey, 2) change body checking policies, and 3) eliminate fighting in all amateur and professional hockey.