Coach Resources
As a coach, our player's safety is always a top priority. Concussion awareness is the foundation everything else in a checking program is built on — you can't teach safe contact without knowing how to recognize and manage a possible head injury first. The resources below cover the essentials; 4Check's own Full Development coaches also get in-person concussion education as part of their annual training.
General rules for Concussion Management
When in doubt, sit them out. Any suspected concussion should end a player's participation for that session, with no same-day return to play — even if symptoms seem mild or clear up quickly.
USA Hockey Concussion Resources
USA Hockey's safety program is the governing-body standard every coach in an affiliated organization should know. Use it alongside 4Check's own contact and checking curriculum, not in place of it.
What to do if you suspect a concussion
Remove the player from play immediately, watch for the warning signs (confusion, balance issues, headache, sensitivity to light), and get them evaluated by a medical professional before any return-to-play decision is made.