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Concussion Protocol
About concussions
A concussion is a brain injury. It can’t be seen on X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It may affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.
Any blow to the head, face or neck may cause a concussion. A concussion may also be caused by a blow to the body if the force of the blow causes the brain to move around inside the skull. A concussion can happen to anyone – anywhere – including:
- at home, school or your workplace
- following a car, bike or pedestrian accident
- from participating in games, sports or other physical activity
A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects.
There are many signs and symptoms of a concussion to look out for, including:
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- memory loss
- nausea
- light sensitivity
- drowsiness
- depression
If you notice signs of a concussion in others, or experience any of these symptoms yourself, consult with a physician or nurse practitioner.
Rowan’s Law: Concussion Awareness Resources
Review the Concussion Awareness Resources (if you are an athlete, parent, coach, team trainer or official).
Requirements for Sport Organizations
Ontario is a national leader in concussion management and prevention. Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018 makes it mandatory for sports organizations to:
-
ensure that athletes under 26 years of age,* parents of athletes under 18, coaches, team trainers and officials confirm every year that they have reviewed Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources
-
establish a Concussion Code of Conduct that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention
-
establish a Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol
* Special Rule: A sport organization that is a university, college of applied arts and technology or other post-secondary institution must not register any athlete regardless of age unless the same requirements are met.
The new rules requiring the review of Concussion Awareness Resources and Concussion Codes of Conduct came into effect on July 1, 2019.
The rules for removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocols are expected to be in place by July 1, 2020.
Read more about the concussion requirements for sport organizations
Requirements for School Boards
The Ministry of Education has a concussion policy (PPM 158) for school boards, school authorities and provincial and demonstration schools. This policy is currently being updated by the Ministry of Education to be consistent with Rowan’s Law. Until PPM 158 is reissued, schools and school boards are advised to continue to follow their existing concussion policy.