Rowan’s Law legislation was passed by the Ontario Government in 2018. This legislation is named in memory of Rowan Stringer who tragically died in 2013, of Second Impact Syndrome - the result of suffering multiple concussions playing rugby three times in six days. The legislation is designed to create a safer environment for competitive amateur athletes, children and youth to play sport.
Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and what to do if a concussion happens - whether you’re an athlete, a student, a parent, a coach, a team trainer, an official or an educator- saves lives. The Ontario Government is committed to implementing Rowan’s Law by putting concussion safety information in the hands of people who need it most. Increasing awareness and changing conversations in sport, at school and in our homes, will result in transformative change to the way in which concussions are managed in amateur competitive sport and beyond.
Ringette Ontario is committed to being a leader in the support, and implementation of Rowan’s Law. Ringette Ontario, and by association all of our Member Clubs, and registrants are legally bound by the requirements of the Law.
Rowan’s Law requires Ringette Ontario to have a concussion Code of Conduct in place for both players and coaches/trainers. All players and coaches/trainers are required to review and sign off on the relevant Code of Conduct at the point of registration each season.
Players/parents/guardians/coaches/match officials/trainers are to review and sign off on the resources that are relevant to their participation. For example, if a player participates in an Under 13 league, their parents/guardians would need to review and sign off on the Ontario Ministry’s Concussion Awareness Resources for players aged 11 to 14. If a coach coaches an Under 17 or senior team, they would need to review and sign off on the Ontario Ministry’s Concussion Awareness Resources for players aged 15 and above.
