RHF INITIATES UPDATE OF INJURY RESPONSE PROTOCOLS IN YOUTH HOCKEY

Medical support is one of the cornerstones of ensuring safety in physical education and sport. In this regard, the Russian Hockey Federation (RHF) pays increased attention to all cases that are dangerous to players’ health, especially in youth sport. 

On November 15, 2025, during the Moscow Championship match AKM – Krasnaya Mashina Junior among teams born in 2014, a similar incident occurred when one of the Moscow team’s leaders, Artyom Sultangareev, after a collision with an AKM defender, struck his head on the boards. The situation looked extremely dangerous for the young player’s health; however, a worse outcome was avoided: the player managed to brace himself at the last moment, which prevented an injury.

Injuries to the cervical spine and head carry increased risk because, even if there are no external signs of damage, it is critically important to perform an MRI promptly to rule out internal bleeding and other dangerous consequences. Delays in diagnosis and transport can cost the child their health. Despite the obvious danger of the injury sustained, an ambulance was not called onto the ice.

The existing injury-response system requires improvement. Stricter control is needed over the provision and readiness of ambulance crews at sporting events. More detailed protocols are required for cases in which the ambulance on duty at matches must provide emergency transport of an injured athlete to a hospital. It is necessary to increase referees’ responsibility for timely response to such dangerous incidents, as well as to develop and enforce strict control over referees’ procedures when players sustain dangerous injuries, especially to the neck and head. The RHF will appeal to government authorities with an initiative to amend the relevant documents.