Rowan’s Law Ontario: A Guide For Ontario Parents And Families

by | Apr 13, 2026 | legal guidance | 0 comments

A title page about Rowan's Law, a guide for parents and families.

Thousands of young Canadians participate in sports activities every year, whether at school or at third-party events. Most parents support their children in playing sports due to the many health and fitness benefits. However, such activities also carry some risk, such as the risk of a concussion.

To protect young athletes and promote concussion safety, Ontario took a legislative step in 2018 by introducing Rowan’s Law. As a parent or someone whose family member actively plays sports, learning about this law may help you. Below, we have detailed everything about Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, in Ontario.

What Is Rowan’s Law?

Rowan’s Law is a legislation in Ontario aimed at protecting athletes by increasing awareness of concussion safety and management. The law applies to organized sports personnel such as competitive athletes, sports coaches, trainers, and officials.

The primary aim of Rowan’s Law is to protect athletes from the adverse effects of a concussion, including fatality. It follows the key principle that when in doubt, sit it out.

What Is The Story Behind Rowan’s Law Ontario?

Rowan Stringer was a passionate rugby player in Ontario who suffered from a concussion on 3rd May 2013 and a second one on 6th May 2013. She continued playing rugby after each event and collapsed on the field during her third injury on 8th May 2013.

Neurological death was declared four days after her third injury due to second impact syndrome. This is a rare condition in which a second concussion occurs before the brain has recovered from the first one.

The subsequent investigation after Rowan’s passing led to the Ontario government passing a law in her name in 2018, with initial key provisions in 2019 and final provisions in 2022.

What Does Rowan’s Law Require?

Listing the three requirements of Rowan's Law.

Rowan’s Law applies to school boards and amateur sports organizations that conduct activities under the oversight of coaches or trainers. The law mandates the following things:

1. Code Of Conduct For Concussions

All athletes and their parents (if the athlete is under 18) are required to review the concussion code of conduct. They must acknowledge the code within 12 months before registration. Coaches, trainers, and sports officials are required to do the same.

The code of conduct for concussions lays out responsibilities such as:

  • Recognizing concussion symptoms
  • Reporting concerning behavior
  • Supportive care for a safer return to sports

By mandating review of the code of conduct, Rowan’s Law ensures all parties involved have adequate awareness of concussion safety.

2. Removal Of Suspected Athlete

Rowan’s Law requires coaches, trainers, and other officials to remove an athlete suspected of suffering from a concussion from the field. A coach or parent does not need medical training to suspect and remove the relevant athlete from the field.

Personnel can use the guidelines in the code of conduct for concussions and their own discretion to make the best decision. The athlete will be temporarily removed from all games until they obtain medical clearance.

3. Medical Clearance Before Return To Sport

The final thing Rowan’s Law mandates is that a suspected athlete cannot return to sports until they obtain medical clearance from a professional health practitioner. Regulated healthcare professionals who are allowed to give medical clearance include:

  • Physician
  • Nurse practitioner

An athlete may insist they feel fine, just like Rowan Stringer did in 2013, but only a healthcare expert can determine whether they’re healthy. By making medical clearance essential, Rowan’s Law closes the gap of incorrect judgment on the athlete’s end.

Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety): What Parents Must Look Out For

Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion can help you make the best decision for your child. A concussion is a brain injury that is undetectable on imaging modalities such as X-rays or MRIs. However, imaging modalities may help identify complications of a head injury, such as bleeds and fractures.

A significant blow to the head, face, or neck can lead to a concussion. The injury may also occur if a person suffers a heavy blow to the body that causes the brain to move within the skull. While the injury may happen to anyone, some warning signs are common to most people. These include:

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness, vertigo, balance problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion or difficulty focusing
  • Sensitivity to light or noise (photophobia and phonophobia, respectively)
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Memory gaps or blackouts after the incident
  • Mood changes such as extreme irritability
  • Slowness of movements and reflexes

If your child is showing any of these signs and symptoms after an incident on the field, it is better to suspect a concussion than let them play again before medical clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The 4 Rules For Concussions?

The four general rules of concussions include recognizing symptoms, removing the athlete from the field, refusing the athlete when they say they’re fine, and referring the athlete to a medical practitioner for clearance. This simple advice may help you protect your child in the case of a suspected concussion.

What Is The Role Of Parents And Guardians Under Rowan’s Law?

Rowan’s Law puts significant responsibility on parents and guardians for recognizing concussion symptoms. That is because children spend more time with their parents than coaches, making the identification of a child who seems "off" easier. If you notice sudden changes in your child’s personality, sleep, or other habits following a game, seek medical attention immediately.

Which Situations Make Legal Guidance Useful For Parents Of Athletes?

Legal guidance for Rowan’s Law and concussion safety may be essential for parents navigating child custody and parental arrangements. Your ex-spouse may agree to let the child play after an incident without medical help, but you may disagree. In such cases, a legal consultation from a family lawyer may assist you in making the best decision.

Connect With Barnett Law To Learn More About Rowan’s Law Ontario

A concussion is a significant injury that can go unnoticed without proper knowledge of the condition. Rowan’s Law aims to prevent catastrophes by mandating the review of concussion awareness resources by parents, guardians, and coaches.

If anyone around you is violating this law or you want to learn more about Rowan’s Law, we can help you. At Barnett Law, our experienced family lawyer can offer you guidance on what Rowan’s Law requires from athletes, parents, and trainers. Contact us today to book a consultation with our professional attorney.

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Barnett Law
Barnett Law
Barnett Law is a trusted and knowledgeable lawyer in Scarborough. Her expertise spans real estate law, family law, adoptions and fertility law. A lawyer by profession and a humanitarian by heart, Athena Narsingh Barnett wants to help people become more familiar with the legal system and be well-informed to make important legal decisions.