ROWAN’S LAW

HIT. STOP. SIT

What is Rowan’s Law?

Rowan’s Law is a 2018 Ontario law that aims to improve concussion safety for amateur athletes. It is named after Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player, who died from second impact syndrome in 2013. The Law requires us as a sport organization to implement the specific protocols as listed on this page however, there are no enforcement or monitoring provisions in Rowan’s Law.

Who does Rowan’s Law affect?

Athletes under 26 years old, parents/guardians (for athletes under 18), coaches, team officials, team trainers, match officials, and other designated persons.

What is required?

1)    Confirmation of Review

·       All affected persons as listed above must confirm with their club that they have reviewed the Concussion Awareness Resources

·       Review should occur at least once per year/at each registration

·       Example Template of Receipt of Review

2)    Code of Conduct (COC)

·       All affected persons as listed above must review and sign a Code of Conduct (COC) showing commitment and acknowledgement of Rowan’s Law. 

·       Each club should have their own COC that should be signed after reviewing the Concussion Awareness Resources

·       Links to Sample Code of Conducts

o   COC - Coaches & Team Trainers 

o   Athletes & Parents/Guardians (U18)

3)    Remove-From-Sport & Return-To-Sport Protocols

·       As of 2022, all sport organizations are required to have both Remove-From-Sport and Return-To-Sport Protocols

·       These protocols should also be listed on club websites for easy accessibility by team officials (team officials may also choose to have electronic or hard copies of the protocols saved for quick and easy accessibility when needed).

·       Links to Protocols – Ontario Soccer

o   On the Field: Remove-from-Sport Protocol Summary

o   Off the Field: Return-to-Sport Protocol Form

4)    Designated Person

·       All clubs must identify a Designated Person (DP) to have the responsibility of both the Remove-From-Sport and Return-To-Sport Protocols

·       Does not need to have qualifications to hold the position, however, DP must provide club confirmation that they have reviewed the Concussion Awareness Resources in the last 12 months.

·       If DP is not a team official (listed on roster) they may not sit on the team bench.

·       DP needs to be at every practice and game

·       More than one DP can be assigned per team with duties divided (i.e., watch field of play, administrative duties)

Looking for more information? Use the links below:

·       Province of Ontario: Rowan's Law Concussion Safety (includes signs & symptoms)

·       Province of Ontario: Information for Sports Organizations

·       Ontario Soccer: Rowan’s Law Information

·       Sport Ontario PDF from webinar Nov 2021

The purpose of Rowan’s Law legislation is to promote culture change and make participation in amateur competitive sport safer. There are no enforcement or monitoring provisions in Rowan’s Law.
It is up to entities and individuals to ensure that they comply with the laws of Ontario.

The Club is responsible for keeping forms on hand, EMSA does not need a copy, but reserves the right to request a copy.

If an organization does not comply with the laws of Ontario, then the organization assumes any liability risk associated with non-compliance.

For a full list of Ontario Soccer Forms