Internal research for Sport Canada said minor hockey players and parents oppose a concussion passport because it is an invasion of privacy, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“Some believed they alone should decide if and when their personal data can be shared,” said the study. .“Any possibility some information could be shared with leagues, associations, coaches or any third party raised flags.”.The Canadian government proposed in 2017 to introduce a national sports injury plan and raise awareness for parents, coaches, and athletes on concussion treatment. Public Health Agency of Canada data said most concussions in minor sports occur in hockey (44%), followed by soccer (19%), football (13%), and rugby (6%)..The proposal would see a central database created to track injuries for all players by name. The study said the idea was met with widespread opposition. .“Both parents and athletes believe divulging information about their health should be their decision and theirs alone,” said the study. .The study said participants believed sharing personal information should “always be voluntary and their own responsibility.” It said concussion passports were presented as objectionable. .Some participants feared access to the passport could lead to third parties using the information for unintended purposes. One example was insurers contacting participants. .Sport Canada paid Leger $110,893 to conduct ten focus groups with players and parents on the concussion passport system. .This study comes after former Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith and the board of directors resigned on Oct. 11 after criticism over how the organization handles sexual assault allegations. .READ MORE: Hockey Canada CEO and board of directors resign.“An interim management committee will be put in place, which will guide the organization until no later than a newly constituted board appoints a new CEO to lead the organization,” said Hockey Canada..The organization has been under serious scrutiny by the House of Commons Heritage Committee following a cover-up payment to an alleged group sexual assault victim involving the 2018 World Junior hockey team.
