Rowan's Law

In May 2013, 17-year old Rowan Stringer died as the 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.

Roman's Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, S.O. 2018

Requirements

All Registrants, coaches, bench staff, officials and parents, if the registrant is under the age of 18, must give confirmation that they have reviewed the concussion awareness resources and the HEO Concussion Code of Conduct before participating. 

This is a requirement and subject to audit by Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO). Teams not completing acknowledge forms for all players and bench staff will not have approved rosters, preventing the teams from playing in any games.  Seaway Valley Minor Hockey Association will not allow any player on the ice prior to the season start until the signed acknowledgement form is received, this includes pre-tryout skates, tryouts and exhibition games.

Please select and review the are appropriate link. Once you've reviewed the Concussion Awareness Resources and the HEO Concussion Code of Conduct.  Please print, complete and sign the HEO Rowan's Law Acknowledgement Form for each player registered as well as bench staff and return to your coach, team official or SVMHA board member.   These forms are required for each player (and parent if applicable), bench staff and officials.

Roman's Law:  Concussion Awareness Resources will be available in the following three formats: e-booklet, video or e-module.  Currently, only the e-booklet is available:

Ages 10 and Under
Ages 11 - 14
Ages 15 & Up

HEO Roman's Law Acknowlegement Form