What is Rowan's Law?
Rowan's Law is an Ontario law that sets concussion safety requirements for amateur sport organizations. It is named after Rowan Stringer, a 17 year old high school rugby player from Ottawa who died in 2013 after a series of concussions.
The law asks sport organizations to make sure that every year, athletes, parents of athletes under 18, coaches and officials review Ontario's concussion awareness resources. It also requires a concussion code of conduct, a removal from sport protocol and a return to sport protocol.
What happens if my child may have a concussion?
Your child is removed from play right away and does not return that day. The coach tells you what happened, and you arrange a medical assessment.
Your child returns to training and games only after a medical doctor or nurse practitioner clears them.
What signs should parents watch for?
Signs of a concussion can appear right away or hours after a knock. If you notice any of them, keep your child out of sport and contact a doctor.
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems or blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, trouble remembering or feeling in a fog
- Changes in mood, such as irritability or sadness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble sleeping or feeling more tired than usual
When should I call 911?
Call 911 right away if your child loses consciousness, has a seizure, has neck pain, has a severe or worsening headache, vomits repeatedly, has weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, or becomes more confused, restless or drowsy. These are red flags that need emergency care.
How does a player return to sport?
Return to sport is gradual. After a short period of rest, players move step by step from light activity to sport specific drills, then to full training, and finally to games. They move to the next step only when they have no symptoms, and they need medical clearance before full contact training and games.
Most young players recover within a few weeks. Children often need a gradual return to school as well, so talk with your doctor about both.
What does the club ask families to do each season?
Each season, families and coaches review Ontario's concussion awareness resources and confirm it in the family portal. You will see the acknowledgement in your portal's Action needed list when it is due.