Concussion Policy
Last updated - 18th May 2026
Stokesley Hockey Club – Concussion Policy
1. Introduction
1.1 Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to protecting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all players, coaches, volunteers, umpires and spectators involved in hockey activities organised by the club.
1.2 This policy is based on the UK Government and Sport and Recreation Alliance UK Concussion Guidelines for Non-Elite (Grassroots) Sport and follows guidance adopted by England Hockey.
1.3 This policy applies to all junior and adult hockey activity organised by Stokesley Hockey Club, including:
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Matches
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Training sessions
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Festivals and tournaments
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Social hockey activities
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Coaching sessions
1.4 All members, parents, coaches, captains, team managers, umpires and volunteers should familiarise themselves with the three key concussion principles:
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Recognise the signs and symptoms of concussion
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Remove any person suspected of concussion immediately
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Return safely to education, work and sport following appropriate guidance
2. What is Concussion?
2.1 Concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or body which results in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain.
2.2 Concussion can affect how a person:
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Thinks
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Feels
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Behaves
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Remembers information
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Sleeps
2.3 Loss of consciousness is not required for concussion to occur. Most concussions happen without the player being “knocked out”.
2.4 All concussions must be taken seriously.
3. Recognising Concussion
3.1 Common signs and symptoms may include:
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Confusion
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Memory loss
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Feeling sick or vomiting
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Blurred vision
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Balance problems
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Slowed reactions
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Unusual behaviour or emotional changes
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Loss of consciousness
3.2 A player does not need to display every symptom to have suffered a concussion.
3.3 If any player is suspected of concussion:
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They must be removed from play immediately
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They must not return to hockey activity the same day
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They should be assessed by a healthcare professional or NHS 111 within 24 hours
4. “If In Doubt, Sit Them Out”
4.1 Any player suspected of concussion must:
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Stop playing immediately
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Take no further part in training or matches that day
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Be monitored by a responsible adult
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Seek medical advice
4.2 Players with suspected concussion must not:
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Return to play within 24 hours
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Drive a vehicle
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Ride a bicycle
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Operate machinery
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Consume alcohol
4.3 If serious symptoms or “red flags” are present, emergency medical assistance must be sought immediately by calling 999. Red flag symptoms include:
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Loss of consciousness
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Repeated vomiting
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Seizures
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Severe neck pain
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Increasing confusion
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Deteriorating consciousness
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Weakness or numbness
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Slurred speech
5. Responsibilities
5.1 Club Responsibilities, Stokesley Hockey Club will:
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Promote awareness of concussion
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Ensure coaches and captains understand this policy
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Encourage a safety-first culture
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Support players returning safely to hockey
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Ensure suspected concussions are treated seriously
5.2 Coaches and Captains, Coaches and captains must:
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Remove any player suspected of concussion immediately
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Never allow a player to “play through” symptoms
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Encourage medical assessment
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Support the graduated return process
5.3 Players, Players must:
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Report symptoms honestly
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Inform coaches of previous concussions
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Follow medical advice
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Complete the graduated return process fully
5.4 Parents and Guardians, Parents and guardians of junior players should:
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Monitor symptoms
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Seek medical advice where required
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Support recovery and return-to-play guidance
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Inform coaches of ongoing symptoms
6. Return to Education, Work and Daily Activity
6.1 Following a concussion, return to education or work takes priority over return to hockey.
6.2 Players should undertake:
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24-48 hours of relative rest
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A gradual return to normal daily activities
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Light exercise only where symptoms allow
6.3 Activities should not significantly worsen symptoms.
6.4 Any symptoms lasting more than 14 days should be reviewed via NHS 111 or a healthcare professional. Symptoms lasting beyond 28 days should be assessed by a GP.
7. Return to Hockey
7.1 There must be no return to competition within 21 days of a diagnosed concussion unless managed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional experienced in sports concussion management.
7.2 Players should follow a graduated return-to-sport process.
7.3 Graduated Return Stages:
Stage Activity
1 Relative rest for 24–48 hours
2 Light daily activity and walking
3 Increased mental and physical activity
4 Return to training without risk of head impact
5 Full training if symptom free
6 Return to competitive hockey
7.4 Players should only progress to the next stage if symptom free at the current stage.
7.5 If symptoms return, the player should stop activity and return to the previous symptom-free stage.
8. Junior Players
8.1 The welfare of junior players is paramount.
8.2 Parents or guardians must be informed immediately if a junior player is suspected of concussion.
8.3 Junior players must not return to hockey until:
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Symptoms have fully resolved
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Appropriate medical advice has been followed
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The graduated return process has been completed
9. Record Keeping
9.1 The club may maintain records of reported concussion incidents to:
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Monitor player welfare
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Support safe return-to-play decisions
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Identify recurring injuries
9.2 Information will be handled in accordance with relevant data protection requirements.
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10. Further Information and Resources
10.1 Useful resources include:
11. Policy Review
11.1 This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if guidance from England Hockey or UK governing bodies changes.
11.2 Policy Owner: Stokesley Hockey Club Committee
11.3 Next Review Date: 2029
Adapted from the England Hockey Concussion Policy and UK Concussion Guidelines for Non-Elite (Grassroots) Sport.