BCHL teams up with software company to help deal with concussions

The B.C. Hockey League is getting serious about the concussion risks in hockey. The league has signed a service agreement with HeadCheck Health Inc., a Canadian company that has created objective sideline concussion testing and management software for sports teams. The service agreement covers all 17 teams in the BCHL, including the Victoria Grizzlies.

HeadCheck says it simplifies the way concussion protocols are implemented and executed by leveraging mobile, cloud and analytic technology. The solution is available on both Apple and Android devices and features a web-based reporting dashboard enabling administrators to monitor concussion protocol compliance.

“Player safety is of utmost importance to the BCHL,” John Grisdale, BCHL commissioner, said in a statement.

“Our athletic therapists will now have instant access to a reliable concussion assessment tool during practices and games in order to make appropriate sideline medical decisions.”

The BCHL teams will use the system to perform baseline, postinjury and return-to-play concussion tests. The teams’ qualified medical professionals involved in clearance of concussed players will also be able to access test results through the HeadCheck company’s system.

“It is great to see BCHL act as a leader in player safety by making concussion awareness, education and assessment part of their league protocol,” said retired NHLer Kyle Wellwood, a stakeholder in HeadCheck Health.

“HeadCheck’s software allows users to perform concussion tests that are backed by evidencebased science.”