Concussion safety

Rowan's Law resources, our Concussion Code of Conduct, and the return-to-play protocol. Every guardian acknowledges these resources as part of the registration waivers step each season.

Our Concussion Code of Conduct

Every player, guardian, and coach agrees to this code before the season starts. It's short on purpose: when in doubt, sit them out.

• I will report any suspected concussion to a coach or trainer immediately, even if it seems minor.
• I understand that a player showing any symptom sits out for the rest of that session — no exceptions.
• I will not pressure a player to return to play before they have written medical clearance.
• I will follow the club's graduated return-to-sport protocol, step by step, with no skipping ahead.
• I will tell the coach right away if symptoms return at any stage of the return-to-play process.
• I will review Ontario's concussion awareness resources each season, as required by Rowan's Law.

Removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocol

1. Removed. A player with a suspected concussion is removed from play immediately.
2. Rest. 24–48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest.
3. Light activity. Symptom-free daily activities, then light aerobic exercise.
4. Sport-specific. Non-contact drills once symptom-free, with medical clearance.
5. Full return. Back to games after written medical clearance and no symptoms.

What we ask of families

• Read Ontario's concussion awareness resources linked above, together with your player if they're old enough to understand them.
• Talk with your player about reporting symptoms honestly, even if it means missing a game.
• Tell your child's coach about any concussion history, including ones from outside soccer.
• Re-acknowledge this page at the start of each new season, even if nothing has changed.

Questions?

If your player has a suspected concussion or you have questions about our protocol, reach out to your team's coach or the club safety officer.