register

Rowan's Law (Concussion Safety) Policy

Contact Us

Purpose

The Pelham Panthers Basketball Association (“PPBA”) is committed to protecting the health and safety of all athletes by preventing, recognizing, and properly managing concussions.

This policy has been established in accordance with Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, Ontario Basketball Association requirements, and current concussion management best practices.

The health and long-term well-being of every participant takes priority over returning to play.

Scope

This policy applies to all PPBA participants, including:

  • Athletes
  • Coaches
  • Assistant Coaches
  • Team Managers
  • Board Members
  • Volunteers
  • Parents and Guardians
  • Trainers
  • Officials, where applicable

This policy applies during all PPBA-sanctioned activities, including practices, games, tournaments, camps, clinics, tryouts, training sessions, and travel.

 

Concussion Awareness

Before participating each season, athletes, parents/guardians of athletes under 18 years of age, coaches, team officials, and designated volunteers must review the current Ontario Government Concussion Awareness Resources appropriate to their role.

PPBA will maintain records confirming completion of the required concussion awareness review in accordance with Ontario legislation.

Recognition of a Suspected Concussion

A concussion may result from a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or body that causes rapid movement of the brain within the skull.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Balance problems
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Behavioural or emotional changes

A participant does not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion.

Immediate Removal from Sport

An athlete shall be immediately removed from participation if:

  • They report symptoms of a concussion;
  • They exhibit signs of a concussion;
  • A coach, official, trainer, parent, volunteer, or medical professional suspects a concussion.

The athlete shall not return to participation on the same day.

“When in doubt, sit them out.”

Medical Assessment

Any athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion should be assessed as soon as reasonably possible by a physician or nurse practitioner.

PPBA coaches, volunteers, and team officials shall not diagnose a concussion.

Only a qualified medical professional can determine whether an athlete has sustained a concussion or whether another medical condition exists.

Return to School and Daily Activities

Athletes diagnosed with a concussion should return to school, work, and normal daily activities using a gradual progression recommended by their healthcare provider.

Academic recovery should take priority before returning to unrestricted sport participation.

Return-to-Sport Protocol

Athletes diagnosed with a concussion may only return to basketball after:

  1. Completing the graduated Return-to-Sport Strategy;
  2. Remaining symptom-free throughout each progression stage;
  3. Receiving written medical clearance from a physician or nurse practitioner where required by Ontario Basketball Association or applicable regulations.

Each stage of the Return-to-Sport Strategy must be completed successfully before progressing to the next stage.

If symptoms return at any stage, the athlete must stop participation and return to the previous symptom-free stage following medical guidance.

Responsibilities

Athletes

Athletes shall:

  • Report all suspected concussions immediately.
  • Report any concussion symptoms honestly.
  • Follow all medical recommendations.
  • Never hide symptoms in order to continue playing.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Review the required Concussion Awareness Resources annually.
  • Monitor their child following any suspected concussion.
  • Seek medical assessment when appropriate.
  • Provide any required medical documentation before return to sport.

Coaches and Team Officials

Coaches shall:

  • Complete required concussion awareness training.
  • Remove any athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion immediately.
  • Never permit same-day return to participation.
  • Follow PPBA Return-to-Sport procedures.
  • Maintain documentation as required.

Board of Directors

The Board shall:

  • Ensure compliance with Rowan’s Law.
  • Maintain concussion-related policies and procedures.
  • Promote concussion education.
  • Maintain records required by Ontario legislation.
  • Review this policy periodically.

Record Keeping

PPBA will maintain records of:

  • Annual concussion awareness confirmation;
  • Removal from sport incidents;
  • Medical clearance documentation, where applicable;
  • Return-to-Sport progression documentation.

Records will be maintained in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action under the PPBA Code of Conduct.

 

Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated as required to reflect changes to Ontario legislation, Ontario Basketball Association policies, or recognized concussion management best practices.

Approved by: Pelham Panthers Basketball Association Board of Directors