Rowan’s Law created in memory of Rowan Stringer
Following the death of 17-year-old rugby player Rowan Stringer, the Government of Ontario has passed a safety-based law called “Rowan’s Law,” which protects amatuer athletes from concussions suffered through sport. Rowan experienced a rough tackle on the field while playing, but ignored her concussion symptoms for multiple days following the incident. After her passing in 2013, Rowan’s parents took action to implement legislation that protects amateur athletes.After five years of rallying, petitions, and work with Ottawa MP Lisa MacLeod, the dangers facing amateur athletes are being addressed.
The bill passed with full support, and includes awareness, prevention, and support measures for those who are involved in any activity, from high school athletics to university intramurals. The bill states that any player who sustains a head injury during a game must be taken out of the game immediately. It also gives coaches an online training requirement before they can take charge of a team. This training resource, which also applies to Gryphons who participate in intramural athletics, will help better identify when a player has a concussion and how to treat them properly until they receive medical attention. If players don’t acknowledge their symptoms, or if their coaches don’t know how to treat those symptoms, lives are put in danger.Rowan’s death was preventable, and the legislation that has been named after her will now ensure that future athletes are better protected.
Photo courtesy of CBC