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Rowan’s Law

When in doubt, sit them out.

Rowan’s Law is Ontario’s concussion safety law, named for Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old rugby player from Ottawa who died after multiple concussions. Here’s what it means for every association, coach, official, parent and athlete in Football Ontario.

What I need to doTake the Ontario e-module
Suspect a concussion? Remove the athlete from play right away. Call 911 if they are unconscious or show red-flag signs. Do not let them return the same day. A physician or nurse practitioner must assess them.

What Rowan’s Law requires every year

Three requirements apply to every Football Ontario association, every season.

1

Review a Concussion Awareness Resource

Athletes under 26, parents of athletes under 18, coaches, team trainers and officials must confirm each year that they reviewed one of Ontario’s resources.

Get the resources →

2

Review the Concussion Code of Conduct

Athletes under 26, parents of athletes under 18, coaches and team trainers confirm each year, before registering or serving, that they reviewed their organization’s Code of Conduct.

Requirements for sport organizations ↗

3

Follow removal & return-to-sport protocols

Every association needs a Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol, and designated person(s) to apply it at practices and games.

How the protocol works →

What it means for you

Find your role to see what you need to do.

Associations & clubsSet up your seasonAnnual confirmations, Code of Conduct, protocols and designated persons.View checklist ＋
Designated personsRemove, inform, recordWhat to do when a concussion is suspected at practice or a game.View checklist ＋
Coaches & team trainersKnow it, model itAnnual review, Code of Conduct and Making Headway.View checklist ＋
OfficialsWatch and stop playWatch for signs, stop play and check the field.View checklist ＋
Parents & guardiansYour role at homeAnnual review, reporting and medical clearance.View checklist ＋
AthletesSpeak upAnnual review, speaking up and returning safely.View checklist ＋

Removal & return to sport

Based on Ontario’s updated Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol. Use your association’s protocol if it differs.

On the fieldRemoval from sportSix things to do the moment a concussion is suspected.View checklist ＋
  • Remove the athlete immediately from practice, training or games
  • Call 911 if needed, for example if they are unconscious or show red-flag signs
  • Inform the athlete, and a parent or guardian if under 18
  • Give them the removal and return-to-sport protocols
  • Record the removal, even if no concussion is diagnosed
  • Only a physician or nurse practitioner can assess and clear the athlete
Off the fieldReturn to sport: 6 stepsSix graduated steps, each at least 24 hours.View checklist ＋
  • 1. Daily activities and relative rest (24–48 hours)
  • 2. Light, then moderate, aerobic exercise
  • 3. Individual sport-specific activity, no head impact
  • Medical clearance required here
  • 4. Non-contact training and practice drills
  • 5. Unrestricted practice, including contact
  • 6. Return to games and competition

Each step takes at least 24 hours. Students return to school before returning to sport.

ClearanceMedical clearanceWho can clear an athlete, and what to give the team.View checklist ＋

Before unrestricted practice or games, the athlete (or a parent, if under 18) must give the designated person written confirmation of medical clearance from a physician or nurse practitioner.

If symptoms come back after clearance, the athlete stops and sees a physician or nurse practitioner again.

Ontario concussion resources

Each year, review one of these. They all cover the same key information, so pick the format that works for you.

Awareness resourcesPick one per yearPick one to review each year: e-module, e-booklets or videos.View checklist ＋
New & updatedLatest from OntarioThe latest tools and posters from Ontario.View checklist ＋
More helpLearn moreOntario, Coaches Association of Ontario and support lines.View checklist ＋

Questions about Rowan’s Law in your association? Start with the Ontario requirements for sport organizations, or contact Football Ontario.

This page is for information only and is not legal advice. Associations should seek independent legal advice about their obligations under Rowan’s Law. ← Back to Safe Sport

Last reviewed: October 2026