As of the 2026-2027 season, the GTHL will now be following the Hockey Canada Concussion Policy. The League has fully transitioned to the Hockey Canada Concussion Policy and Protocol, which now governs all concussion identification, management, and return‑to‑play procedures.
The concussion policy ensures players who are suspected to have sustained a concussion during GTHL activity do not return before being medically cleared by a professional. Additionally, this policy provides a structured outline on how team officials can identify suspected concussions, provides pathways for all players with suspected concussion to seek medical attention, as well as a hockey specific return to play protocol that ensures all members of the GTHL community are equipped with the tools needed to identify, manage, and prevent concussion.
*The Hockey Canada Concussion Communication Tool, Injury Report form, Medical Assessment and Medical Clearance (if applicable) are the only forms that need to be submitted to the GTHL Office [email protected]
GTHL Concussion Documenting Process
- Remove the athlete from play immediately.
- Trainer completes the Injury Report Form.
- Trainer provides the athlete’s family with a Medical Assessment Letter to take to a physician for assessment.
- The family provides the completed Medical Assessment Letter to the Trainer.
- The athlete may return to play once the required documentation has been received by the Trainer.
- The Trainer submits the Injury Report Form and Medical Assessment Letter to the GTHL at [email protected].
- The Trainer initiates the Communication Tool process by signing off and provides it to the family.
- The family follows the required Return-to-Sport Protocol signing off on the Communication Tool along the way.
- Once the athlete has completed the Return-to-Sport Protocol and has the Medical Clearance Letter completed the athlete may return to play once documentation as been received by the Trainer. For a confirmed concussion, the Trainer must provide the GTHL with:
All documentation can be sent to [email protected].
Click here for a printable PDF version of the documenting process.
NOTE: All resources and education pieces pertaining to concussions are helpful, however, the GTHL asks all participants reviewing additional resources to ensure the Hockey Canada Concussion Policy and Communication Tool takes precedent.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital – Return to Sport and School Resources
Concussion services at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital:
Holland Bloorview Website › Youth Persistent Symptoms Clinic › Early Concussion Care Program ›Helpful resources during
concussion recovery
The Hockey Canada Concussion Toolbox is a great tool for parents, coaches, trainers, players, administrators and anyone interested in learning about the prevention, recognition and response to concussion injury, including responsible return-to-play protocol.
