Concussion App For BCHL

The BC Hockey League is getting a jump on other junior leagues in terms of concussion awareness and prevention.

The 17 teams will use a new app this season called HeadCheck where each player’s baseline tests which will be used to compare if he suffers a suspected concussion.

The app allows players, officials, coaches and even parents to see the testing and follow the injury reports.

Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray doesn’t know everything about the app, but generally feels it’s a good idea.

He says concussions happen more often than they would like.

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“We have been a lot more cautious in allowing a kid to go back. I mean sometimes the kids — they’re young, they’re invulnerable, they’re going to last forever — but we make sure they follow certain protocols and we won’t let them back until we fell they’re ready,” Wray tells Kiss FM.

Wrap says in years past, it was solely up to the team when a player returned from a concussion, more commonly referred to as ‘getting your bell rung.’

“But with this, we want to make sure the kid feels right about going back, and that’s all part of it. And I think there is baseline testing that can determine what his status is.”

The app was designed by a group of UBC kinesiology students.

The BCHL also plans to increase penalties for players who cause other players to get concussions.

Click here for more on the HeadCheck program.