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 volunteer, 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.
Special Olympics Ontario is committed to being a leader in the support of and implementation of Rowan’s Law. Special Olympics Ontario and by association all of our clubs, teams and members are legally bound by the requirements of the Law.
What is Rowan’s Law?
Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, who was a high school rugby player from Ottawa. One day, while playing rugby with her team, Rowan got a concussion. Most people with a concussion get better after they rest and heal. But Rowan didn’t know her brain was hurt and needed time to heal. Her parents, teachers and coaches didn’t know, either. So, Rowan kept playing rugby. She got hurt two more times. Rowan’s brain was so badly hurt that she couldn’t get better.
Rowan’s passing triggered a coroner’s inquest into concussion protocols in youth sport. One of the key recommendations from the inquest was to introduce Rowan’s Law in the province of Ontario, which would mandate certain standards for concussion education, awareness and reporting.
Rowan’s Law was eventually passed in the Ontario legislature and became a law in the province of Ontario.
What does this mean for SOO members?
All SOO members (athletes, volunteers, coaches) participating in in-person programming are required to review the concussion resource options below annually and sign off that they understand and have reviewed the resources.
Members must review one or both of the following resources:
1. Rowan’s Law Guide for Students & Athletes of All Abilities. (this can be read as an e-booklet, or printed and reviewed at practice)
2. Concussion Education for Special Olympics Athletes Video (can be viewed individually or as a group)
Purpose of an incident report: Reports are not intended to assign blame, rather they are a tool to protect our athletes, volunteers, and coaches. Proper use will ensure a safe environment. An incident report is to be filled out when an event disrupts practice or competition, requires first aid, involves a breach of conduct, or results in property damage
Link to incident/accident report (SOO)
- Behavioural incident: Athlete expressing anger in a physical way that puts others at risk (throwing equipment, becoming overly aggressive in the game). Typical de-escalation strategies do not work
- Improper or inappropriate conduct: A volunteer or Athlete uses discriminatory language, engages in bullying, or makes inappropriate physical contact.