In March 2018, 5 years after the death of Rowan Stringer, following a series of concussive injuries on her high school Rugby field, Rowan’s Law,was passed by the
Ontario government in an effort to ensure a standardized approach to Concussion Management in youth sport.
In addition to the Education Act being amended to account for this legislation, sport organizations, including Hockey Canada, have been working to ensure that their policies, directives and resources in the area of Concussion prevention and management are in line with and encompassing of this new legislation.
Woolwich Minor Hockey in partnership with Woolwich Physiotherapy have developed/adapted the current concussion management program for all minor hockey players to ensure/support the directives of Rowan’s Law, Hockey Canada and Parachute Canada, the umbrella organization leading the way in concussion research and management in Canada.
This year, the WMHA Concussion Management program will include baseline testing similar to the past two years with an increased emphasis on concussion education, particularly in the areas of prevention and avoidance, a focus supported by these organisations as a number one priority. While baseline testing is mandatory prior to playing in league games for all players, parents are also encouraged to attend the education sessions in order to gain a better understanding of concussion prevention, recognition and management. Although we recognize that this is a busy time of year,and that the time required to fulfill this obligation( 1-1.5 hours) may seem onerous we hope that all partners( parents, athletes, coaches and trainers)will recognize the value in this process .Questions/concerns about the program can be directed to Jeff McDowell (WMHA Concussion Coordinator) at [email protected] .We appreciate your input and support of this program.