Gloucester Rangers Return to Play Policy

In cases where players are removed from playing or practicing due to injury or illness the Gloucester Rangers Minor Hockey Association follows the policy as laid out by Hockey Canada in their Hockey Trainer Certification Program.
This policy states the following:

Section 15.0  REMOVING PLAYERS FROM ACTION/CO-ORDINATING RETURN TO PLAY
There may be pressure on you to allow the player to return to play. This is not your decision. Safety is the top priority and protecting the player from further injury is essential.  Your role as a hockey trainer is not to try and get the player back into competition as soon as possible, but rather to make sure the player's safety is the top priority at all times, and refer
them to the proper medical authority.
It is recommended that players who are removed from games or practices due to injury or serious illness, and do not return to that game or practice, should obtain a note from a physician before they are allowed to return to play.  If you are ever in doubt as to the seriousness of the player's injury or illness, exercise common sense and direct the parents to seek medical attention for the player and request that a physician's note be obtained before permitting the player to play or practice.  Clearly communicate the
necessity of medical permission from a physician to the player's parents and coaching staff.
After an extended layoff, players should practice before they play. The practice situation is a controlled setting which allows players to gradually adapt and feel comfortable without risking further injury......As a rule of thumb, a player should not return to play unless they can demonstrate appropriate skills in a practice situation.