Athletic Concussions

http://www.themanitoban.com/articles/48388

There have been an increasing number of concussion reports in youth sports such as football and hockey, arousing more concern on how to protect children from concussions because very often the symptoms are subtle. Paediatric radiologist Dr. Martin Bunge says that the rules should be slightly altered for youth leagues. So for hockey there shouldn't be any checking or hitting until at least age 15 or 16. Thereby minimizing risks for younger athletes of getting concussions. On the other hand hockey coach Brian Foreman argues that hitting is a big part of the sport strategically and physically. Thefore it's up to the coaches to teach responsible hitting to the players at a young age so that they minimize their potential for injury over the years.

http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/mouth-guards-concussions-controversy-continues
Do mouth guards prevent concussions? The one piece of equipment that appears to be the sole protection from concussions in athletics is the mouth guard. Studies show that symptoms of a concussion are shown less in athletes that wear mouth guards, but that doesn't mean mouth guards directly prevent concussions. Columnist Brooke de Lench and other moms of athletes would love to see solid evidence that mouth guards prevent concussions, but for now, all they can really do is advocate for stricter enforcement of existing rules on safety, and wait until that evidence comes.