The Kamloops Minor Hockey Association (KMHA), British Columbia’s largest Minor Hockey Association, currently serving more than 1,000 members through diverse programs, faced significant challenges with managing player health and safety information, which jeopardized their ability to adhere to safety protocols and ensure the well-being of their players. The association relied on status-quo methods such as paper records, education links, email, and phone calls, leading to a lack of information accessibility, poor protocol adherence visibility, and confusion among volunteers, parents, and coaches regarding injury response.
According to Serena Reves, KMHA’s Risk Manager, “At the end of the season, safety people just didn’t know what to do with [the challenge of managing player health and safety information]. I think there were some tracking pieces that were kind of missing.”
KMHA encountered several issues before implementing HEADCHECK. Safety information was not readily available to the appropriate personnel when needed, resulting in potential risks to players. Volunteers and staff responsible for safety lacked a streamlined reporting system, making it challenging to monitor adherence to health and safety protocols. Moreover, the association experienced annual staff and safety priority changes, contributing to inconsistencies in adherence to safety standards.
Specifically, the KMHA Executive Team identified that staff turnover and varying priorities each year contributed to challenges managing player health and safety information. When a new Risk Manager joins, they might introduce different safety procedures or emphasize certain standards. This lack of continuity resulted in communication gaps and increased difficulty for staff members responsible for following these standards.
To address the pressing issues related to player health and safety, KMHA decided to search for a comprehensive solution that would address their key objectives:
To address these pressing needs, KMHA undertook a diligent search for an appropriate solution. After evaluating various options, the association identified a promising candidate: the HEADCHECK Manager injury management program.
After conducting a thorough review of the HEADCHECK Manager Program and recognizing its potential benefits, KMHA decided to adopt the solution for over 1,000 players. The association integrated HEADCHECK Manager to achieve three primary objectives: training staff on their roles in concussion and injury protocols, reporting injuries through the HEADCHECK app, and managing the crucial medical clearance process for concussions.
“After the second season [we began to see improvements]. This was directly due to the supported roll out, specifically the training sessions offered in partnership with HEADCHECK personnel, KMHA staff and the Risk Management Director, as well as ongoing and easily accessible customer service from the HEADCHECK team. This [service] makes the safety people, and even parents or guardians feel supported,” Serena added.
By adopting HEADCHECK Manager, KMHA effectively addressed its challenges managing player health and safety information. The association efficiently maintained safety procedures, even with staff or procedure changes, through streamlined safety and injury information in one comprehensive system. As staff and volunteers become more familiar with the program, KMHA anticipates continued time savings throughout the organization, making the implementation of HEADCHECK increasingly effective over time.
“An increase in familiarity with the program means it is better implemented the longer the association uses this product,” Serena said.
“Ultimately, it’s always for the players, right? That’s why we have this program,” said Serena.
For KMHA, the ultimate beneficiaries of HEADCHECK Manager are the players themselves. Ensuring player safety throughout the season remains a top priority, and the association’s commitment to this goal is reflected in their adoption of the program.
Furthermore, HEADCHECK simplifies processes and proves to be a low-hanging fruit in demonstrating value to parents and volunteers. This simplicity is particularly crucial for associations like KMHA, where many first-time volunteers are tasked with ensuring compliance with player safety standards. Simplifying the process encourages successful execution of HEADCHECK and adherence to safety guidelines, ultimately contributing to the well-being of every player involved.
KMHA Executive Director Zac Carnelly observed, “You want to make it simple for everybody because everyone is a volunteer. Everyone’s busy and making it as simple as possible is how we’re gonna get the execution [of safety guidelines].”
The successful adoption of HEADCHECK Manager has transformed player safety at KMHA, offering protection to over 1,000 members from the risks of mismanaged injuries. Serena, Zac, and Dawn firmly believe that the association bears a crucial duty of care in ensuring each player’s safety on the ice. By implementing HEADCHECK, KMHA effectively maintains the necessary procedures and information to meet the safety standards set by the governing body, fostering a collective effort among volunteers and staff in fulfilling this duty of care. Notably, the system’s streamlined information has significantly reduced the time spent on administrative tasks, enabling KMHA to prioritize other critical aspects and deliver the best possible hockey experience for the Kamloops community. By embracing innovative solutions like HEADCHECK Manager, KMHA sets a high standard for youth sports safety, reinforcing their reputation as a responsible and safety-conscious organization.
Kamloops Minor Hockey Association (KMHA), British Columbia’s largest Minor Hockey Association and home to 70 ice and spring hockey teams, are well-known for providing a safe, fun, and diverse environment for hockey players of all ages. The association now serves over 1,000 members with various programs. In-house recreation and travel representation teams are also available, with members ranging from 4 to 19 years old. KMHA’s mission is to encourage teamwork, positive development, and leadership in youth through well-designed competitive hockey programs, open-minded culture, and risk-free sports settings.
Zac Carnelley – Former minor hockey player, coach, teacher, hockey parent, and now senior management, Zac is entering his first year as the Executive Director of KMHA. He enjoys teaching and coaching while supporting youth players in their sports development.
Serena Reves – Serena started as a hockey parent 10 years ago and joined the board of directors of KMHA in 2021. She is now taking charge of the association’s risk management. Having been a teacher, Serena understands the academic struggles kids can face, and is happy to see them build confidence through teamwork and enjoy hockey.
Dawn Woodland – Dawn also started as a hockey parent and is now the administrator and registrar of KMHA. The healthy team atmosphere and the positive impact of getting kids involved in physical activities are what motivate her to work in this industry.