Concussion information

---

We always ensure our athletes are coached and monitored in a safe manner. This is, however, a contact sport so all athletes and their parents or guardians (where relevant) need to understand the importance of concussion awareness.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, face, neck or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth and can alter the way the brain normally functions.

• Physical (e.g., headache, dizziness),
• Cognitive (e.g., difficulty concentrating or remembering),
• Emotional/behavioral (e.g., depression, irritability), or
• Related to sleep (e.g., drowsiness, poor quality of sleep)

Some athletes will develop symptoms immediately while others will develop delayed symptoms (beginning 24-48 hours after the injury). 

• Sustains a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body
• Reports ANY symptoms of a concussion
• Demonstrates ANY visual signs of a concussion

Or if anyone witnesses an athlete exhibiting ANY of the visual signs of concussion.

See Judo Canada for full information and policies related to concussions.

Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa, who died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome (swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed). Rowan is believed to have experienced three concussions over six days while playing rugby. She had a concussion but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal. Neither did her parents, teachers or coaches.

Rowan’s Law was established to honour her memory and bring awareness to concussions and concussion safety. See guidelines below.