Concussions and Hits to the Head in the National Hockey
League
Executive Summary
The National Hockey League (“NHL”) values the safety of its players. Due to
the dramatic increase in the number of head injuries and concussions suffered
by NHL players, the league must take action to prevent the dangerous hits that
cause these injuries. Currently, the league has rules prohibiting blind-side
and lateral hits to the head and retains the right to fine and suspend players
who violate this rule. However, league officials have been inconsistent in
deciding the level of discipline levied on players for dangerous hits.
This report provides data that shows the dramatic rise in concussions in
the NHL over the past 25 years. It analyzes the weaknesses and inefficiencies of
the current policy, as well as the pros and cons of the policy instituted by
the National Football League (“NFL”) in January of 2011. Based on this analysis, the report recommends
a new policy for supplemental discipline for hits to the head.
The policy includes:
·
Objective suspension scales
·
Loss of player salary
·
Team penalties
·
Video demonstrations