What is Rowan’s Law Day?
Rowan’s Law Day is commemorated annually in the province of Ontario and is dedicated to raising awareness about concussion safety and prevention. It takes place on the third Wednesday of September each year, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting athletes, especially youth, from the risks and potential long-term effects of concussions.
Rowan’s Law is named after Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old rugby player from Ottawa who tragically passed away in 2013 due to Second Impact Syndrome, a condition caused by sustaining multiple concussions in a short period. As a result, Rowan’s Law was established to honour her memory and to create a safer sports environment for all participants.
The legislation, which came into effect in Ontario on July 1, 2019, mandates specific concussion protocols and guidelines for all organized sports activities involving athletes under the age of 26. The law requires athletes, parents, coaches and officials to educate themselves about concussions, including recognizing the signs and symptoms, and taking appropriate steps for prevention and treatment.
Rowan’s Law Day serves as a platform to promote awareness and understanding of concussions. It aims to educate athletes, parents, coaches, and sports organizations about the importance of early identification, proper management, and gradual return-to-play protocols after a concussion. The day also emphasizes the significance of creating a culture of safety within sports, where athletes feel comfortable reporting their symptoms and seeking appropriate care.
Various activities and initiatives are organized across the province to engage communities and raise awareness about concussion safety. These may include information sessions, workshops, seminars and public awareness campaigns that focus on concussion prevention, identification and management. Sports teams, schools and recreational organizations often participate in these events to ensure that proper concussion protocols are implemented and followed.
The primary goal of Rowan’s Law Day is to create a safer sports environment by fostering a collective responsibility for concussion prevention and management. It highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with concussions and encourages everyone involved in sports to prioritize the well-being and long-term health of athletes. It serves as a reminder to all Ontarians that the well-being of athletes should always be a top priority, and that early detection and appropriate management of concussions can significantly reduce the potential risks and improve the overall safety of sports participation.