On July 1, 2019, new rules came into effect through Rowan’s Law, to improve concussion safety in amateur competitive sport. If you are an athlete under 26 years of age*, parent of an athlete under 18, coach, team trainer or official and your sport organization has advised that you need to follow the rules of Rowan’s Law 

Rowan’s Law

Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, who was a high school rugby player from Ottawa. One day, while playing rugby with her team, Rowan got a concussion. Most people with a concussion get better after they rest and heal. But Rowan didn’t know her brain was hurt and needed time to heal. Her parents, teachers and coaches didn’t know, either. So, Rowan kept playing rugby. She got hurt two more times. Rowan’s brain was so badly hurt that she couldn’t get better.

This resource is not meant to replace medical advice about your health care. For more information about concussions please speak with a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.

Athletes under 26 and parents of athletes under 18 years of age must confirm that they have reviewed the Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resources below and Skate Ontario’s Concussion Code of Conduct for Athletes and Parents/Guardians prior to registration and/or on the first day of skating.

Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resources – Rowan’s Law E-booklet:
• Ages 10 and Under
• Ages 11-14
• Ages 15 and Up

Skate Ontario:
• Concussion Code of Conduct for Athletes and Parents/Guardians


Skaters are required to have a signed Rowan’s Law Acknowledgement Form for Athletes and Parents/Guardians form completed prior to stepping on the ice for the season.

The Form can be found here:
Skate-Ontarios-Code-of-Conduct-Athletes-and-Parents-Guardians-Acknowledgement-Sheet-1_June_2020-002

Upload your completed form here: