A child who suffers a head injury should be evaluated to determine whether it is safe for him or her to return to play. Returning to activity before the resolution of the head injury puts the athlete at risk for a second injury or, in the worst case, death due to second impact syndrome. Rule enforcement is also important for reducing the risk of injury. The stick is supposed to be used to control the puck. At some age levels, checking is not allowed at all.
Players are more likely to be injured due to foul play than fair play.
Parents and coaches are responsible for teaching kids how to play the game within the rules. Officials are responsible for enforcing the rules. Strict rule enforcement should decrease the likelihood of injury. Scott Grindel, M.D. is director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, Pennsylvania, and Director of Sports Medicine at Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pennsylvania. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.