This is an urgent update regarding the legislative requirements under the implementation of Rowan’s Law by the Government of Ontario.
What is Rowan’s Law?
In May 2013, 17 year old Rowan Stringer died as a result of a head injury she sustained while playing rugby with her high school team. In the week prior to her final game, Rowan had been hit twice, and likely sustained a concussion each time. These concussions were not recognized, and she continued to play. When she was hit again in her last game, she suffered what is known as Second Impact Syndrome – catastrophic swelling of the brain caused by a second injury that occurs before a previous injury has healed. Rowan collapsed on the field and died four days later in hospital.
A coroner’s inquest was convened in 2015 to look into the circumstances of Rowan’s death. The coroner’s jury made 49 recommendations for how the federal government, as well as Ontario’s government ministries, school boards and sports organizations, should improve the manner in which concussions are managed in this province.
OHF Implementation
The Ontario Government has enacted Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, S.O. 2018, c. 1 (“Act”). Ontario Regulation 161/19, the Act requires all sport organizations as defined in the Regulation (“Sports Organization”), which includes the Ontario Hockey Federation (“OHF”), to have a Concussion Code of Conduct. This Concussion Code of Conduct must require participants, as set out in the Act, to review the Ontario Government’s issued Concussion Awareness Resources on an annual basis.
The Ontario Hockey Federation was informed that the Rowan’s Law Act and Regulations must be implemented by July 1, 2019. Therefore, after July 1, 2019 every Player (parent as well if individual under 18), Team Official (Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Managers) and On-Ice Official (parent as well if individual under 18) in order to register/participate must review the OHF Concussion Code of Conduct and the appropriate Concussion Awareness Resources.
Please read the information below on Rowan's Law and the legislative requirements:
Rowan’s_Law_July_01_2019.pdf
Requirements
All Registrants registering July 1, 2019 or after must have completed the review information and acknowledgement prior to registration/participation.
All Team Officials currently registered will be required to complete the review of information and acknowledgement prior to August 30, 3019.
All Registrants registered prior to July 1, 2019 must complete the review of information and acknowledgement prior to participation in the first game.
Please select and review the appropriate link for all your children to ensure compliance.
Rowans Law-Resource for Ages 10 and under - Rowan_s_Law_-_Resource_for_ages_10_and_under.pdf
Rowans Law-Resource for Ages 11 to 14 -Rowan_s_Law_-_Resource_for_ages_11_-_14.pdf
Rowans Law- Resource for Ages 15 and up - Rowan_s_Law_-_Resource_for_ages_15_and_up.pdf
Once complete please print and fill in an OHF acknowledgement form for each player registered and return to your respective team contact, or the Sault Major Hockey Office. This is a requirement and subject to audit by OHF.
OHF Rowan's Law Acknowledgement Form OHF_Rowan_s_Law_Acknowledgement_Form.pdf
Players and Team Officials will be required to review the material and sign the OHF Rowan’s Law Acknowledgement Form prior to being eligible to Register/participate
Any questions may be directed to
[email protected]