KGHA is committed to creating awareness about concussion and enforcing the rules as set out by the legislation of Rowan's Law.
Reducing the risk of concussions is always the goal. But concussions happen and knowing what to do – whether you’re a player, a parent, a coach or a trainer – saves lives.
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.
**********
WHAT MUST YOU DO?
Step 1: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ALL Team Staff, Parents, And Players must complete a signed acknowledgement that they understand and will comply with the guidelines set out in the legislation.
At KGHA, we have incorporated this acknowledgment into the Registration process at the outset of each season and acknowledgements on our Fair Play Pledge forms.
Please ensure that you and your player have completed your Fair Play Pledge forms for the 2019-20 today!
Links to the individual KGHA 2019-20 Fair Play Pledge Code of Conduct Forms:
You can also wear Purple on Wednesday September 25th to show your support!
STEP 2. PREVENTION
Coaches, Trainers & Parents: Discuss concussion awareness with your players/daughter with these helpful resources:
- We ask that all players at minimum watch this video:
- Some additional video resources that are hockey-specific include:
SMART Hockey, 12 on ice tips
Heads Up, Don't Duck
STEP 3: Recognition and Management (removal-from-sport and return-to-sport)
KGHA has an established Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport Protocol in place in the event a player has a suspected head injury/concussion including injuries during practice, game play or off ice through other activities.
Concussion recognition should involve all stakeholders (athletes, parents, trainers, coaches, officials, health care professionals).
If anyone suspects a head injury, the trainer for the team should be notified immediately. It is paramount that athletes alert the trainer to any signs or symptoms that could indicate a head injury.
The Removal-from-Sport Protocol used was established by an expert panel who published it as the Canadian Sport Concussion Pathway, which is part of the larger Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (2017) document.
The removal from sport protocaol should follow any suspected head injury - on- or off-ice.
- If a licensed healthcare professional is present at the time of injury, they may perform a more in-depth sideline assessment to determine if a concussion is suspected.
- If a concussion is suspected, a medical assessment letter from a physician is required.
- If a concussion is diagnosed, a medical clearance letter is required for return to sport clearance.
- The return-to-sport pathway is a 6 step process to gradually and safely bring the player back to the game only when she is physically ready.
Let's keep our players safe this season!
Questions: safety@kgha.ca
Email
Print
