2022/23 – 2023/24 Season
IIHF MEDICALREGULATIONS

These Regulations come into effect on 01 June 2022.

MEDICAL REGULATIONS

Preface
The IIHF has produced and distributed the following Medical Regulations to all IIHF member
national associations to direct and guide the membership in the administrative organization andtechnical operation of a complete medical program at IIHF competitions.
The goal of the program is to provide for a safe and healthy environment for the operation of IIHF
competitions. It is intended to protect teams and players alike.
The contents of these IIHF Medical Regulations supersede any and all previous printings of theseregulations.
It is the IIHF’s responsibility to provide its membership with the procedures, guidelines andinstructions for the effective operation of medical programs at IIHF sanctioned competitions. This
document, along with any other legislative or regulatory document references, will provide thenecessary details and tools for member national associations, teams, trainers and players tooperate and compete in a safe, healthy, drug-free environment.
Additional medical and health care items can be found in the contents of the IIHF Medical Care
Guide. Anti-Doping rules and further information concerning doping control can be found in the
IIHF Anti-Doping Code. This IIHF publication can be found on the IIHF website located atwww.iihf.com.
Regulations pertaining to the organization and technical components of an IIHF championship,
sport regulations, international player transfers, disciplinary procedures and the actual playing
rules can be found in the respective rule and regulation documents of the IIHF. Please contact
the IIHF office for clarification on any of the areas listed above or for clarification on any of thecontents that follow in these regulations.
As in all other IIHF Regulations the use of the masculine gender shall refer to both female hockey
players and male hockey players or other persons.

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Table of Contents

GUIDELINES AND DIRECTIVES ............................................................................................... 51.

The Medical Team and Medical Policies ....................................................................... 5

1.1.

The Medical Team .................................................................................................... 5

1.2.

Medical Policies ........................................................................................................ 52.

The Medical Clinic ........................................................................................................ 6

2.1.

Facilities ................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.

Medical Records ....................................................................................................... 6

2.3.

Consent to Treatment ............................................................................................... 6

3.

Medical Support Services ............................................................................................. 7

3.1.

Ambulance Services ................................................................................................. 7

3.2.

Laboratory and Imaging Services .............................................................................. 7

3.3.

Spectator Medical Services ....................................................................................... 8

3.4.

Hospital Services ...................................................................................................... 8

4.

Medications .................................................................................................................. 8

5.

Communications .......................................................................................................... 8

6.

Media Relations ........................................................................................................... 97.

Other Issues ................................................................................................................. 9

7.1.

Medical Health and Malpractice Insurance ................................................................ 9

7.2.

Immunization and Health Guidelines ......................................................................... 9

7.3.

Medical Licensure ..................................................................................................... 9

7.4.

Blood Spill Management ......................................................................................... 10

7.5.

Arena Air Quality..................................................................................................... 10

7.6.

Team Medical Personnel Meeting ........................................................................... 10

8.

Final Report to the IIHF .............................................................................................. 11

9.

IIHF Nutritional and Hydration Standards .................................................................... 11

9.1.

Flexible Serving Times............................................................................................ 11

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9.2.

Hydration ................................................................................................................ 11

9.3.

Allergy/Intolerance to Certain Foods ....................................................................... 12

9.4.

Pre-Event Medical and Nutritional Questionnaire .................................................... 12

10. IIHF Injury Reporting System (IRS) ............................................................................ 12
11. International Ice Hockey Federation Concussion Protocol ......................................... 1211.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1211.2. Acute Evaluation/Management ............................................................................... 1211.3. Return to play ......................................................................................................... 13
12. Pre-Season Medical Examination Standards .............................................................. 13

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GUIDELINES AND DIRECTIVES

1. The Medical Team and Medical Policies
1.1. The Medical TeamThe Event Chief Medical Officer (“ECMO”) cannot be a physician of one of the participating teams.
The ECMO should use a number of factors in determining the size and deployment of the Medical
Team.
During all practice sessions, a member of the Medical Team must be present in the arena.
During all competitions, there must be at least one physician present at all times. If resources allow,
there should be both a sport/family physician and an orthopaedic surgeon. If the orthopaedic
surgeon is not in the arena, then they should be on-call for advice or assistance.
During each IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and the IIHF Ice Hockey Junior WorldChampionship, a dentist needs to be present during all games.
For the Olympic Games, a fully functional dental chair with accompanying lighting, compressed
air, water and suction must be installed in both hockey arenas.
If possible, a therapist (athletic trainer/physiotherapist) should be present during the competition.
Using these recommendations, the ECMO should determine his own requirements as far as thenumber and type of staff needed.
1.2. Medical Policies
It is important to establish and convey to all participants a number of important policies relating to
the medical coverage for the event. For example, a specific policy should be in place that ensuresthat the control of the treatment of an injured player is taken by the player’s own medical staff
unless they are not available or they relinquish it to a member of the host medical staff during an
emergency.
All health provided by the OC Medical Team must meet the principles of evidence- based(scientific) medicine.
As well, the ability of a player to return to competition should remain with the Team Medical
Personnel unless specified Rules, Statutes, Bylaws or Regulations established by the IIHF arebeing contravened. For example, a player with uncontrolled bleeding may be removed from thecompetition despite a Team Medical Personnel’s approval to participate.
Another example might be a contravention of the IIHF return to play guidelines following
concussion. Should these guidelines be ignored in a specific case, the ECMO should note thisfact on the medical report and report the case to the Championship Directorate.
It would be appropriate to define all of these policies and to review them in detail at the IIHF Team
Medical Personnel Meeting prior to the event.

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2. The Medical Clinic
2.1. Facilities
Based on the type of event, the ECMO will determine the clinic structure. If there is a main arena
where a majority of the games will be played, a central clinic may be established at this site. If
multiple venues are being used, then a number of medical rooms may be developed, eachcapable of handling basic assessments and first aid as well as all emergencies.
The medical clinic must be easily accessed from both the ice and the dressing room areas. It mustalso be easy to move an injured player immediately from the medical clinic for transportation.
The medical clinic at the arena must have at least two treatment tables with curtains or otherdividers to allow privacy if required. Smaller taping tables may also be of assistance. A cooler or
refrigerator is required, and appropriate lighting must be available to simplify suturing and otherprocedures. The clinic must also have a hot and cold water supply as well as appropriate electricaloutlets.
The clinic must be well marked with appropriate signage for ease of location, and must be
included on all venue maps that are produced for either visiting teams or other games staff.
The clinic must have at least one lockable cabinet for the storage of both medications andconfidential medical files that may be created during the course of the event.
The following medical equipment requirements apply for all IIHF Championships where an
ambulance is not present outside the competition time:-

Defibrillator;
Resuscitative equipment; andSpinal board/vacuum bed (or mattress).

2.2. Medical Records
Every examination and treatment performed by a member of the host medical staff will berecorded. This will include the practice and competition sites as well as the hotel.
As well, any important conversations with either the player or a team official that relate to theplayers’ medical status will be recorded. All medications provided will be noted in this record as
well. A sample Medical Report is included in the IIHF Medical Care Guide.
2.3. Consent to Treatment
It is important for the Organizing Committee and/or ECMO to determine what the age of consent
is for the region where the event will be taking place. If players are of legal age, they can giveconsent for their own treatment.
One concern is the provision of consent if a player is unconscious or otherwise unable tocommunicate. While it is often felt that the Team Medical Personnel may be able to give consent
on behalf of the player, it is up to the ECMO to review the local laws and establish an appropriate
policy.
The IIHF also hosts a number of competitions where the participants may not be of legal age. It
should again be determined, based on local laws and customs, who can give consent for any
treatment on behalf of these players. Participating Member National Associations are responsible
for ensuring that players under the age of consent have a written permission for treatment signed
by parents or legal guardians of the player.

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3. Medical Support Services
3.1. Ambulance Services
Pre-Competition and Training Sites:
Ambulance services or emergency vehicle transportation must be available on-call to all training
venues, event hotels, meeting sites, media centres etc. and must be arranged with the local
authorities. Site and route maps, including access points to arenas, should be prepared andreviewed with the ambulance services as they may not be familiar with the training sites or accessroutes.
Venue personnel must be prepared to meet any ambulance or emergency personnel and escort
them to the most appropriate location should they be required to assist with the removal of an
injured player from the ice surface or other venue. The ECMO must ensure that this route is kept
free of seats, television equipment or any other obstacle that might interfere with the safe andefficient removal of a player or official.
Ambulance services must be coordinated as a part of the overall emergency response system.
The response time to all locations must be within 10 minutes.
Competition:
During the competition, all of the concerns regarding access to the venue and the ice surface,which have been noted above, must be followed. An ambulance must be at the venue during all
games. If the ambulance leaves the venue at any time during competition, it must be replaced byanother ambulance immediately.
This ambulance must have appropriate supplies and equipment to:-

Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation; andStabilize a suspected spinal or head injury. This would include extended backboards to deal withthe large size of some hockey players.

It is strongly suggested that all personnel who might be involved with the removal of an injured
player from the ice surface take the time prior to the event to practice this exercise on a numberof occasions. The IIHF Medical Supervisor will request a demonstration of the removal of an
injured player from the ice surface
3.2. Laboratory and Imaging Services:
While it is not imperative that these services be available on-site, except for the IIHF Ice Hockey
World Championship the ECMO must ensure that both Laboratory and Imaging Services (X-ray,
MRI, CT, ultrasound) are available for competing players on a priority basis.
Conditional to national laws and regulations, portable X-ray services must be available on-site at
the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
Full diagnostic urinalysis and blood analysis must be available through either hospital or private
laboratories at all times during the competition. The teams will be responsible for any costs
incurred in the procurement or analysis of any of these samples.

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73.3. Spectator Medical Services:
It is necessary that a separate service be established to deal with spectator medical issues. This
would include a separate first aid room and staff dedicated to the spectators. While the membersof the host medical staff may be called upon to assist with an ill or injured spectator, this should
not detract from their primary responsibility to the players.
3.4. Hospital Services
A full service hospital with modern equipment must be informed of the championship and prepared
to treat event related emergencies promptly. The service must be available 24 hours a day. The
ECMO should be the hospital liaison person with the Organizing Committee (“OC”).

4. Medications
The Organizing Committee must provide emergency medications as well as those medications
that are difficult to transport. It is suggested that Team Medical Personnels carry basic
medications that may be required by their players.
A suggested list of medications is included in the IIHF Medical Care Guide.
The medications kept on hand may vary considerably depending on both the size and number ofteams and the duration of the event. Only a physician of the local organizing committee should
dispense medications.
Only requests from the staff physicians or accredited Team Medical Personnels will be supplied.
Further, Team Medical Personnels may only request medications for members of their own
delegation. A record of all medications issued and distribution details must be kept.
Only an emergency supply of medications will be issued. Additional medications will need to beprescribed by the ECMO or by the staff physician to be filled at a local pharmacy at the expenseof the team.
In many cases, a player or official may request a specific drug or medication for their use that is
not a part of the basic pharmacy. Providing that there is a legitimate medical reason for thisrequest, and assuming that the agent does not appear on the Prohibited List published by WADA,
the medical staff may assist in procuring this medication. The team, individual or member national
association should be responsible for any costs incurred in obtaining such medications. A list ofavailable local pharmacies, along with their hours of operations, should be available.
The details relating to the administration of prohibited substances – including those for which a
TUE is required – are included in the IIHF Medical Care Guide.

5. Communications
The Organizing Committee will be responsible for ensuring that an appropriate communications
system is in place. Mobile telephone numbers for the medical team and the IIHF Medical
Supervisor must be listed and distributed to the participating teams and the ChampionshipDirectorate.
If portable radios (walkie-talkies) are being used, the Medical staff should be included on thissystem. It may be prudent to assign a separate channel to the Medical team to allow them tocommunicate with the greatest ease.
All members of the medical staff are to be cautioned to avoid discussing any confidential medical
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or player issues over any of the portable communication systems.
6. Media Relations
All members of the host medical staff are to be thoroughly trained in how to deal with various
issues relating to the media:
1. No member of the Organizing Committee medical staff should speak to the media regarding
any player or official from any delegation. These matters are to be directed to a team official.
2. Should a press conference be called relating to a medical issue, the IIHF Medical Supervisor
or designate must be in attendance, and will determine which other personnel may beappropriate. Close coordination with the OC will take place in arranging any press conferences.
3. The IIHF Directorate Chairman must approve any press release relating to any medical issue
from either the OC or the Medical Committee.
4. Media are not to be allowed in the medical areas when patients are being treated.

7. Other Issues
7.1. Medical Health and Malpractice Insurance:
Every national team must, on arrival at any IIHF competition, provide written evidence of medical
insurance coverage to the Directorate Chairman in either official language of the IIHF, which will
apply worldwide medical service as set out in the IIHF Championship Regulations while at theevent.
The Medical Service Coordinator (“MSC”) must ensure that all members of the host medical staff(whether paid or volunteer) have adequate malpractice insurance to deal with any claims that may
arise as a result of their participation in the event.
7.2. Immunization and Health Guidelines:
The ECMO/Organizing Committee must advise the IIHF through the Pre-Event Questionnaire ofany pre-existing health or infection concerns, to allow the Team Medical Personnels adequate
time to prepare for any problems. For example, if water quality is suspect in some areas there
can be time to make alternate arrangements. As well, if there are any vaccines that should betaken prior to arrival in the country, the ECMO/Organizing Committee must make this information
known to the IIHF.
7.3. Medical Licensure
It is imperative that the MSC/Organizing Committee take the time to review the medical
regulations that are in place for the state, province, region or country in which the event is taking
place. This will ensure that visiting “foreign” physicians will have the opportunity to treat theirplayers without any problems.
If there is a need for the foreign physicians to apply for any “Courtesy Licensure” in order to fulfil
the regulations of the host region, then the MSC/Organizing Committee must identify this fact andarrange for the appropriate documentation to be requested and received in advance of the event.
It is understood that visiting physicians will be able to perform all of the duties necessary to act asan effective Team Medical Personnel. As well, in the event of a hospitalization, arrangements
could be made to permit the Team Medical Personnel access to their players, team members andIIHF Medical Regulations

9other nationals who have been admitted to hospital. This access may include the opportunity tovisit their patients, review medical records with the attending physician, participate in discussions
with appropriate consultants and attend any rounds or conferences, which involve the patient. It
is also hoped that they would have the opportunity to attend at specialized procedures, including
the operating room, with the permission and at the request of the local surgeon or physician
responsible for the procedure. The MSC will also help to arrange for the transfer of the injured
player back to his respective country.
The MSC/Organizing Committee must advise the visiting teams of any national regulations
regarding the import or transport of any agents, medications, equipment or supplies that would
be a part of the normal physician’s travel kit. As an example, some countries may ban or restrict
the import of all narcotic agents, and visiting physicians must be advised not to bring these agents
into the country.
7.4. Blood Spill Management
There may be blood spills that contaminate the ice surface, uniforms, the bench area, the dressing
rooms or the medical clinic. In all cases, proper isolation techniques must be followed in dealing
with these spills. Gloves must be worn at all times to deal with any blood spills.
IIHF Rule 40 article 12 – Prevention of Infections by Blood
A player bleeding or covered by the blood of an opposing player will be considered as an injured
player and must leave the ice for treatment and/or clean up. Such a player shall be permitted
back to the ice surface provided that:-The cut is completely closed and sealed with appropriate bandages-Any blood is removed from the player and his equipment and uniform are replaced or properly
cleanedIf the ice surface, ice rink facilities or any objects are stained with blood, the Referee shall ensurethat the bloodstains are removed by rink personnel after the first stoppage of play.
One of the important roles of the Organizing Committee is to assist with the management andclean-up of blood spills. Gloves must be worn at all times by all personnel. Many countries now
have very specific rules regarding occupational health and safety at the workplace, and often
these rules are extended to the sporting venues as well.
A biohazard policy, with appropriate receptacles for contaminated material, must be establishedand maintained throughout the event. The policy is to be reviewed at the Team Medical Personnel
Meeting prior to the event.
7.5. Arena Air Quality
Sufficient arena air circulation must be provided to meet local clean air codes in arenas where
gasoline or diesel powered ice resurfacing machines are utilised.
7.6. Team Medical Personnel Meeting
It is required by the IIHF that the Organizing Committee arrange a Team Medical Personnel
Meeting (“TMPM”) prior to the start of the competition. In attendance should be the MSC, ECMO,CT and any other members of the host medical staff, as well as the Team Medical Personnels for

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all of the competing teams, the IIHF Medical Supervisor and any senior personnel involved withdoping control.

8. Final Report to the IIHF
The ECMO must submit a final report to the IIHF Medical Committee within 30 days of thecompletion of the event. This report should include:
1. The names, addresses and titles of all members of the Medical Committee
2. A review of the structure of the Medical Team
3. Copies of any medical reports and medication records
4. A summary of any medical issues relating to your event
5. Recommendations for future events
This report will allow the IIHF to continue to improve and refine the medical service that is available
during competitions.

9. IIHF Nutritional and Hydration Standards
The IIHF has adopted IIHF Nutritional and Hydration Standards for teams participating in IIHF
competitions, which each organizer must follow in preparing meal menus at IIHF events. These
menus have been designed to respect regional and cultural differences. Each hosting member
national association will be provided minimum standard nutritional guidelines and suggested
menus to assist organisers with food preparation for each event. Sample menus are contained in
the IIHF Medical Care Guide.
By putting together meals and adjusting to energy requirements, also arranging meals to thetraining- and competition schedule help the performer to increase his or her capacity. A male's
energy requirement is approximately 4000-4500 kcal/day, whereas a female's is approximately
3000-3500 kcal/day. For a sportsman with an energy requirement at 4000 kcal/day should energy
distribution between the different nutritive substances be following: carbohydrate. 55-65 E%(2000-2600 kcal), fat: 25-30 E% (1000-1200 kcal) and protein: 10-15 E% (400-600 kcal). Energy
distribution at different meals: Breakfast should provide for 20 % of the total energy requirement.
Snack 5 %, lunch 25 %, snack 10 %, dinner 25 % and evening meal 15 % of the total energy
requirement.
9.1 Flexible Serving Times
Because of different training and playing times, it is important to be flexible concerning meals andserving times. As some teams have early practice hours and some games end late at night thehotel must be able to serve breakfast before these practices and dinner after these games. Teamschedules sometimes changes during a tournament due to change practice times, cancelled
practices etc. It is therefore necessary that the hotel is prepared to meet changes of mealtimes ina short notice. It is also important that the players quickly can fetch their food, for instance byarranging a two-line system from a buffet.
9.2 Hydration
Organisers must provide at least 6 litres of bottled water per player per day during the entire
competition.

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9.3 Allergy/Intolerance to Certain Foods
There will be special needs, which must be accommodated for certain players on participatingteams who have allergic reactions or food intolerance.
9.4 Pre-Event Medical and Nutritional Questionnaire
The Pre-Event Medical and Nutritional Questionnaire must be completed and submitted to the
IIHF not less than two months prior to the beginning of the competition.
A sample of the IIHF Pre-Event Medical and Nutritional Questionnaire is contained in the IIHF
Medical Care Guide.

10. IIHF Injury Reporting System
The IIHF requires all team medical personnel to fill out the IIHF Injury Report System (“IRS”) forms
whenever an injury occurs during an IIHF competition.

11. International Ice Hockey Federation Concussion Protocol
11.1 Introduction
The IIHF concussion protocol has been adapted from the 2016 Zurich Consensus Statement toensure the safety and health of the players competing in the IIHF World Championships.
11.2 Acute Evaluation/Management
Concussion symptoms may occur quickly after a blow to the head or body, or may evolve overtime (hours or days). Consequently, players diagnosed with a concussion, and those who aresuspected of having a concussion, should be monitored and evaluated over time.
Any player (including goalkeepers) who displays one or more of the concussion signs enumerated
below, or who exhibits/reports one or more of the following concussion symptoms (either on-ice
or at any subsequent time) after direct or indirect contact, shall be removed as soon as possible
from the playing environment by the team medical personnel. Team personnel observing the signs
and symptoms below shall report their observations to the team medical staff.
Players suspected of having had a concussion or who exhibit one or more of the concussion signs
or report one or more of the concussion symptoms enumerated below shall be evaluated by aTeam Medical Personnel and/or Athletic Trainer/Therapist (together when reasonably possible)
in the dressing room (a distraction-free environment). In all circumstances, the Team Medical
Personnel shall assess the player in person and be solely responsible for determining whether
the player is diagnosed as having a concussion.
Concussion Signs (Visible)•
Lying Motionless on the Ice – a player lies motionless on the ice or falls to the ice in an
unprotected manner (i.e., without stretching out his hands or arms to lessen or minimize
his fall);•Slow to get up following a hit to the head (“hit to the head” may include secondary contact
with the glass, boards or ice);•
Motor incoordination/balance problems – a player staggers, struggles to get up or skate
properly, appears to lose his balance, trips or falls, or stumbles while getting up, trying to
get up or skating, stumbles, “rubber legs”, trips/falls, slow/labored skating);•
Blank or vacant look;
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•
•
•

Disorientation (e.g. unsure of where he is on the ice or location of bench);
Clutching of head after a hit; andVisible facial injury in combination with any of the above.

Concussion Symptoms (Player reported)•
Headache;•Dizziness;•
Balance or coordination difficulties;•
Nausea;•Amnesia for the circumstances surrounding the injury (i.e. retrograde/anterograde
amnesia);•
Cognitive slowness;•
Light/sound sensitivity;•
Disorientation;•
Visual disturbance; and•Tinnitus.
Please note that the signs and symptoms of concussion listed above, although frequently
observed or reported, are not an exhaustive list.
If, after the evaluation noted above, the Team Medical Personnel determines that the player is
not diagnosed with a concussion, the player may return to play.
11.3 Return to PlayA player who is diagnosed with a concussion shall not return to training, practice or a game on
the same day that the event occurred. In accordance with current consensus guidelines, there isno mandatory period of time that a player must be withheld from play following a concussion. The
return to play decision is based on the individual circumstances of that player. A player may returnto play at a time later than the day the event occurred upon: (1) complete recovery of symptoms
at rest; (2) no emergence of symptoms at exertion levels required for competitive play; and (3)The player has been judged by his/her Team Medical Personnel to have returned to his
neurocognitive baseline (i.e. information processing, memory, reaction time, etc.)
The Team Medical Personnel may consult with the IIHF Medical Supervisor during the IIHF WorldChampionship, but the Team Medical Personnel or ECMO (if no Team Medical Personnel ispresent) will make the final decision on return to play. If the IIHF Medical Supervisor does notagree with the decision of the Team Medical Personnel, he will communicate with the IIHF
Directorate Chairman.
The IIHF Directorate Chairman, IIHF Medical Supervisor, Team Medical Personnel and player willthen have a discussion regarding the ability to return to play. The Team Medical Personnel willthen make the final decision on return to play. The team will sign a waiver assuming the risks
associated with allowing the player to return to play against medical advice.

12. Pre-Season Medical Examination Standards
The IIHF has adopted a set of minimal standards to be employed in pre-season medical
examinations. Such minimal standards include recommendation of the following four step medical
examination:
1. A detailed personal and family history profile of each player, with special emphasis on the
cardiovascular system as detailed by the 1996 American Heart Association guidelines;

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2. A complete medical physical examination, again emphasizing the cardiovascular system,
including a written report signed by the examining physician;
3. The finding of any abnormality or sign in the history or physical examination will immediately
require further investigation, which will necessarily include an electrocardiogram, and may
involve an echocardiogram and a stress test; and4. For any player reaching the point in his development where he will be embarking on a careerin ice hockey, it is strongly recommended that an electrocardiogram should be a requirementof his pre-participation examination.

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