SMHC Health and Safety Policies

SOUTHERNMOST HOCKEY CLUB

Health & Safety Policies | Key West, Florida

Youth Sports Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Information Sheet & Acknowledgment Form

Part I: Important Information & Safety Disclosures

Concussions: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Signs & Symptoms: Dazed look, confusion, headache, nausea, balance issues, dizziness, or memory loss.

Potential Consequences: Untreated concussions can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, and is the leading cause of death in young athletes.

Signs & Symptoms: Fainting/passing out (especially during or immediately after exercise: #1 warning sign), unexplained shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, or racing/irregular heartbeats.

Cardiac Emergency Response: If a cardiac emergency is suspected, bystanders must immediately: (1) Call 911, (2) Perform hands-only CPR, and (3) Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.

Part II: Removal & Return-to-Play/Participation Policy

Immediate Removal: Any athlete suspected of concussion or who faints/passes out during athletic activity must be immediately removed from play and may not return to play on the same day.

Medical Clearance: Athletes removed from play under these policies may not return to play until evaluated and granted explicit written clearance to return by a licensed healthcare provider trained in a relevant field.

Mandatory 7-Day Concussion Protocol: Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion must complete a minimum 7-day graduated return-to-play protocol supervised by a licensed healthcare provider.

Part III: Acknowledgment & Consent (Annual Requirement)

Before any athlete participates in athletic activity, this form must be signed and returned to the coach/Southernmost Hockey Club. This consent expires one (1) year from the date signed.

For Athletes Ages 18 and Older: I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the SCA and concussion safety information sheet provided by Southernmost Hockey Club. I agree to comply with all safety and removal policies.

For Minor Athletes Ages 7 to 17: We (the undersigned parent/guardian and youth athlete) acknowledge that we have received, read, and understand the SCA and concussion safety information sheet provided by Southernmost Hockey Club. We agree to comply with all safety and removal policies.

For Minor Athletes Ages 6 and Under: I (the undersigned parent/guardian) acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the SCA and concussion safety information sheet provided by Southernmost Hockey Club. I agree to comply with all safety and removal policies on behalf of the athlete.

Acknowledgment

Athlete Name (Print): ________________________________________________

Athlete Signature: __________________________________  Date: ____________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print): _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________  Date: ____________

Athlete signature required for athletes ages 7 and older. Parent/guardian signature required for minor athletes ages 17 and under.

Heat Safety & Heat Acclimatization Protocol

South Florida heat and humidity can create dangerous conditions. Southernmost Hockey Club will monitor the Heat Index, temperature, humidity, and weather conditions before and during all outdoor practices, clinics, and games.

Southernmost coaches will closely monitor all players throughout every activity, regardless of the Heat Index, for any signs or symptoms of heat-related illness. Player safety always comes first.

Player Responsibilities

Arrive well hydrated and begin hydrating the day before activity.

Bring a full water bottle or electrolyte drink.

Wear light-colored, breathable clothing when possible.

Take all scheduled water and recovery breaks.

Immediately report dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, unusual fatigue, or feeling unwell.

Never attempt to "play through" symptoms of heat illness.

Heat Acclimatization

At the beginning of each season, or following an extended period away from outdoor training, players should gradually adapt to exercising in hot and humid conditions.

During the first 10-14 days of heat exposure, coaches will gradually increase activity duration and intensity while providing frequent hydration and recovery breaks.

Days 1-5

Light to moderate intensity

Frequent water breaks

Limited conditioning

Additional recovery periods as needed

Coaches closely monitor all players

Days 6-14

Gradually increase practice intensity and duration

Continue frequent hydration and recovery breaks

Adjust activity based on weather conditions and player response

Immediately reduce or stop activity for any player showing signs of heat stress

Heat Index Action Plan

Important: The Heat Index is one factor in determining safe activity. Coaches may modify, shorten, delay, relocate, or cancel activity at any temperature when weather conditions or player health indicate that conditions are unsafe.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Muscle cramps

Excessive fatigue or weakness

Confusion

Fainting

Emergency Response

If a player becomes confused, collapses, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or is suspected of having heat stroke:

Move the player to a cool or shaded area.

Begin rapid cooling with cold water, ice, or cold towels.

Continue cooling while awaiting Emergency Medical Services.

Do not delay emergency medical care.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Research-Based Heat Safety

Southernmost Hockey Club's heat safety and acclimatization practices are based on heat-related illness prevention research and guidance from recognized health and sports-safety organizations. The protocol incorporates recommendations regarding gradual heat acclimatization, hydration, frequent breaks, environmental monitoring, and immediate response to signs of heat illness.

Additional Resources

Johns Hopkins Medicine - Heat-Related Illness: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illness

USA Hockey - Player Safety & Health: https://www.usahockey.com/playersafety

Southernmost Hockey Club reserves the right to modify, postpone, relocate, or cancel any practice, clinic, or game whenever environmental conditions pose an unacceptable risk to participants.

Heat Safety Quick Reference

Player safety is our highest priority. South Florida heat and humidity can create dangerous conditions. Southernmost Hockey Club monitors the Heat Index (temperature + humidity) before and during all outdoor practices and games.

Player Responsibilities

Arrive well hydrated (begin hydrating the day before).

Bring a full water bottle or electrolyte drink.

Wear light-colored, breathable clothing when possible.

Report any signs of heat illness immediately.

Never ignore dizziness, cramps, or nausea.

USA Hockey Heat Acclimatization

At the beginning of each season, or after 7 or more days away from training, players should gradually adapt to exercising in the heat.

Days 1-5

Light to moderate intensity

Frequent water breaks

Coaches monitor players closely

Conditioning is limited

Days 6-14

Gradually increase practice intensity and duration as players adjust to the heat.

Players showing signs of heat stress will have activity reduced or stopped immediately.

Heat Index Action Plan

Signs of Heat Illness

Stop play immediately and notify a coach if you experience:

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Muscle cramps

Excessive fatigue

Confusion

Fainting

Emergency Response

If a player becomes confused, collapses, loses consciousness, or is suspected of having heat stroke:

Call 911 immediately.

Move the player to shade.

Begin rapid cooling with ice, cold water, or cold towels while awaiting EMS.

Additional Resources

Johns Hopkins Medicine - Heat-Related Illness: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illness

USA Hockey Safety Program: https://www.usahockey.com/safety

This policy is based on guidance from USA Hockey, sports medicine best practices, and heat illness prevention recommendations from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Southernmost Hockey Club reserves the right to modify or cancel activities whenever environmental conditions pose an unacceptable risk to participants.

Use this quick reference courtside. The full SMHC Heat Safety and Acclimatization Protocol controls and should be available to every coach and activity leader.

SOUTHERNMOST HOCKEY CLUB

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