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 Hockey Federation has been working with Hockey Canada on the implementation of Rowan’s Law since the adoption of the Rowan’s Law Concussion Safety on March 7, 2018. The Ontario Hockey Federation and KMHA are in full support of the intent of Rowan’s Law to create awareness of concussion, change the culture on concussion and provide safe sport participation.
The Ontario Hockey Federation was informed by the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport on June 18, 2019 that the Rowan’s Law Act and Regulations must be implemented by July 1, 2019. Therefore, after July 1, 2019 every Player, Team Official 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.
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.
10 and Under Concussion Awareness Resource
11-14 Concussion Awareness Resource
15 and Over Concussion Awareness Resource
OMHA_Rowans_Law_Acknowledgement_Form.pdf
OWHA_Rowan_s_Law_Acknowledgement_Form.pdf