Rowan's Law is Ontario legislation requiring concussion protocols in youth sports. Named after athlete Rowan Stringer, it aims to prevent concussion-related tragedies through education and safety measures.
Shift Concussion Management•5 min read
Quick Answer
Rowan's Law is Ontario legislation (Bill 193) that came into effect in 2018, requiring all sport organizations to have concussion protocols in place. Named after Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player who died from Second Impact Syndrome in 2013, the law mandates concussion education, removal from play protocols, and medical clearance requirements for young athletes.
Who Was Rowan Stringer?
Rowan Stringer was a 17-year-old high school rugby player from Ottawa who tragically died in May 2013 after sustaining multiple concussions in a short period. Despite experiencing concussion symptoms, Rowan continued to play, suffering a fatal brain injury known as Second Impact Syndrome.
Her death sparked a movement to improve concussion safety in youth sports across Ontario and inspired the creation of Rowan's Law.
Key Requirements of Rowan's Law
1. Concussion Codes of Conduct
All sport organizations must develop and implement a concussion code of conduct that includes:
Removal-from-sport protocols - immediate removal of athletes with suspected concussion
Return-to-sport protocols - graduated return under medical supervision
Roles and responsibilities of coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators
2. Concussion Awareness Resources
Organizations must provide free online concussion awareness resources approved by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to:
Athletes (or parents/guardians if athlete is under 18)
Coaches
Team trainers
Officials
Volunteers
These resources must be reviewed annually by all participants.
3. Confirmation of Review
Before participating each season, athletes and parents must:
Review the concussion awareness resources
Confirm they understand the concussion protocol
Acknowledge the risks of concussion and Second Impact Syndrome
4. Removal from Sport
Immediate removal is required if an athlete:
Shows visible signs of concussion
Reports concussion symptoms
Exhibits unusual behavior following an impact
The athlete cannot return to play the same day, regardless of symptom resolution.
5. Return-to-Sport Requirements
An athlete cannot return to sport until:
They are symptom-free at rest and during physical exertion
They have received written medical clearance from a physician or nurse practitioner
They complete a graduated return-to-sport protocol
Who Must Comply?
Rowan's Law applies to designated sport organizations in Ontario, including:
Schools (public, private, and independent)
Recreational sports programs
Competitive sports leagues
Community sports organizations
The law protects athletes under age 26 participating in these designated sports programs.
The Graduated Return-to-Sport Protocol
Rowan's Law requires a minimum 6-step protocol before return to full competition:
Step 1: Symptom-Limited Activity
Daily activities that don't provoke symptoms
No sports or physical education
Step 2: Light Aerobic Activity
Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling
No resistance training
Step 3: Sport-Specific Exercise
Running drills, skating drills
No head impact activities
Step 4: Non-Contact Training Drills
Progression to more complex training
May start progressive resistance training
Step 5: Full-Contact Practice
Following medical clearance
Normal training activities
Step 6: Return to Competition
Full clearance for game play
Each step requires 24 hours minimum and progression only occurs if symptom-free.
Second Impact Syndrome: Why This Law Matters
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) occurs when someone suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from a previous one. SIS can cause:
Rapid brain swelling
Catastrophic brain injury
Death (mortality rate 50-100%)
Rowan's Law helps prevent SIS by:
Ensuring athletes are removed from play immediately
Requiring symptom resolution before return
Mandating medical clearance
Educating all stakeholders about risks
Resources for Compliance
Free Online Concussion Awareness Resources
The Ontario government provides free resources at:
Available for athletes, parents, coaches, and officials
Must be reviewed annually
Professional Training
For comprehensive concussion management training beyond the basic requirements, organizations can access:
Shift Concussion Management training programs
Evidence-based protocols and assessment tools
Ongoing professional development
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Organizations that fail to comply with Rowan's Law may face:
Fines and penalties
Legal liability in the event of injury
Loss of insurance coverage
Facility access restrictions
More importantly, non-compliance puts young athletes at serious risk of preventable injury.
Best Practices Beyond Compliance
While Rowan's Law sets minimum standards, best practices include:
Pre-Season Baselines
Baseline concussion testing for all athletes
Helps identify changes post-injury
Not required but highly recommended
Designated Concussion Spotter
Trained individual watching for signs of concussion during games
Can call for removal from play
Especially important in contact sports
Parent Education Events
Information sessions at the start of each season
In-person review of protocols
Q&A opportunities
Emergency Action Plans
Written procedures for serious head injuries
Emergency contact information readily available
Regular drills to ensure readiness
Common Questions
Q: Can an athlete return to play the same day if symptoms resolve? A: No. Rowan's Law requires removal for the remainder of the day, even if symptoms improve.
Q: Who can provide medical clearance? A: Only a physician (MD) or nurse practitioner (NP) can provide clearance under Rowan's Law.
Q: Does Rowan's Law apply to adults? A: The law specifically protects athletes under age 26, but best practices apply to all ages.
Q: What if symptoms don't appear until later? A: If symptoms develop after the event, the athlete must be removed from all activity and follow the return-to-sport protocol.
Key Takeaways
Rowan's Law is mandatory for designated sport organizations in Ontario
Protects athletes under 26 from concussion-related injury
Requires immediate removal from play for suspected concussion
Mandates medical clearance before return to sport
Annual concussion education required for all participants
Prevents Second Impact Syndrome through proper protocols
Compliance is crucial for athlete safety and organizational protection
Training for Your Team? Shift Concussion Management offers comprehensive concussion training programs for coaches, trainers, and sports organizations. Learn more about our training options.
