Exploring Gaps in Concussion Knowledge and Knowledge Translation Among Coaches of Youth Female Hockey

Abstract

Youth female hockey coaches have overall adequate knowledge of concussion; however, gaps in knowledge do exist. Future efforts to raise the concussion knowledge among coaches of female youth hockey should include information specific to the mechanism of injury, along with sign and symptom identification, with particular attention paid to emotional symptoms. Given the reported preferences and the widespread availability of the Internet, further exploration and research validation of online courses and web sites tailored to the youth female hockey community is encouraged.

Demographic, Parental, and Personal Factors and Youth Athletes' Concussion-Related Knowledge and Beliefs

“…Epidemiologic data indicated that concussions accounted for a similar proportion of injuries at the youth level, at least in football, as at the high school and collegiate levels. 2 Despite these findings, few authors 3,4 have empirically and directly addressed concussion-related behavioral factors in this young age group. The lack of evidence makes it difficult for ATs and other stakeholders to implement culturally and geographically relevant concussion-related intervention programs.…”

Blowing the Whistle on Concussion Knowledge and Education in Youth Sport Referees

“…Established knowledge translation frameworks can also be implemented to help improve referee knowledge about SRC’s, while also developing the skills required to make competent decisions in recognizing a potential head injury. 24 …”

Understanding the Level of Concussion Knowledge in High School Sports in New Jersey

“…A cross‐sectional survey of minor league hockey coaches in Canada demonstrated that despite education about new concussion management guidelines, there was still a lag in translating this to practice because of traditional beliefs and return‐to‐play practices . In another study, coaches of youth female hockey players demonstrated adequate concussion knowledge but limited knowledge translation . Furthermore, Guilmette et al reported that misinformation and misperceptions of the general public may add pressure on coaches to disregard the recommended guidelines …”

“…26 In another study, coaches of youth female hockey players demonstrated adequate concussion knowledge but limited knowledge translation. 27 Furthermore, Guilmette et al reported that misinformation and misperceptions of the general public may add pressure on coaches to disregard the recommended guidelines. 5 Moreover, most parents did not feel confident in their ability to identify concussions or in their knowledge of concussion management.…”