Safety
MWC Health and Safety
As a sport involving physical contact, hockey carries with it a risk of injury. While the chance of injury is very low, it is important to be aware of the potential risks inherent in many athletic activities. Below are important health and safety notices from WAHA, USA Hockey, and other organizations.
Effective August 1, 2024, Neck Guards are required at all times. This applies to all levels of MWC participants.
All players, including goalkeepers, 12U and above are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all players wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens. When SCA happens, the person collapses and doesn’t respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure. SCA leads to death in minutes if the person does not get help right away. Survival depends on people nearby calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED (if available) as soon as possible.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal function of the brain. All concussions are brain injuries. A concussion can be caused by blow to the head or even a blow to the body alone. The force moves or twists the brain in the skull. It is important to know that loss of consciousness is not required to have a concussion. In fact, less than 10% of athletes lose consciousness. A concussion is a very complex physiologic event that causes a problem with brain function not brain structure. Therefore, CT/CAT scan and MRI are usually normal in athletes with concussion. Imaging studies may be needed to rule out brain bleeds, but are not indicated in all head concussions.