BC Hockey team officials will now be required to complete Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) prior to their participation in any practice or game for the 2016/17 season.
“This is an important step for BC Hockey, by potentially increasing the awareness and prevention of concussions in hockey,” said BC Hockey safety co-ordinator, Anne Deitch. “BC Hockey is pleased and proud of our membership in realizing the value in this program. Safety and education are primary focuses of BC Hockey. This initiative of partnering with CATT just solidifies our dedication to making the game safe for all participants.”
In November of 2015, the BC Hockey development committee listened to a presentation on the CATT online course and put forward a recommendation to mandate the course. It was presented and passed at the BC Hockey Annual General Meeting.
BC Hockey is now the first Hockey Canada branch to require team officials to complete CATT.
“The BC Hockey membership should be applauded for their dedication to player safety,” said BC Hockey CEO, Barry Petrachenko.
“By implementing the CATT certification they have taken a big step forward in concussion awareness and prevention.
“Their commitment to educating coaches, parents and players about concussion management is the latest example of our focus on the player and the enhancement of the minor hockey experience for our participants.”
The 40-minute online course is free for BC Hockey members and required before taking part in any practice or game.
BC Hockey members who complete the CATT course prior to Aug. 1, 2016 will be entered to win Vancouver Canucks tickets and BC Hockey prizes.
The course provides up-to-date concussion education for parents and coaches.
It includes video lessons and resources to effectively prevent, recognize and manage a player’s recovery. The program was developed by the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit and is endorsed by the Province of BC, the Provincial Health Services Authority and Child Health BC.
“BC Hockey is setting a precedence by taking concussions seriously and being the first province to make concussion education mandatory for coaches or anyone required to be on the ice,” said Dr. Shelina Babul, associate director and sports injury specialist wit the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit.
“By raising the level of awareness and education on concussion prevention, recognition and management we can ensure the safety of all registered hockey players in B.C. and the Yukon.”
The course can be taken by visiting www.cattonline.com.
For more information visit http://ppc.cattonline.com.