What is a concussion?
A concussion is a serious injury to your brain that x-rays, CT scans or MRI's cannot see.
Concussions happen when your brain moves quickly inside your skull. Sudden blows to your head or body can cause concussions. All concussions are serious.
For more information about concussions including signs and symptoms visit Parachute Canada or the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Watch the video Concussions 101, a Primer for Kids and Parents
| General concussion resources |
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Second Impact Syndrome
| What is Second Impact Syndrome? |
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Second Impact Syndrome happens if you get a second concussion before your brain recovers from the first one. It can cause rapid and severe swelling of your brain. It can happen in hours, days or weeks.
Second Impact Syndrome can:
- Slow your recovery time.
- Increase the possibility that you will have long-term problems.
- Cause you to have permanent brain damage or even death. Learn about Rowan Stringer, a teen rugby player who died from Second Impact Syndrome, and how that inspired Rowan’s Law day.
Give your brain enough time to heal and follow the return-to-sport strategy and return to school strategy only when your doctor or nurse practitioner says it is okay.
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| Information for parents |
- Tell your children they must report any type of head injury right away to a coach, parent or other adult.
- Teach your children to play fair and follow the game rules.
- Check to make sure your child's protective gear is right for the sport being played and that all gear fits properly.
- Teach your children respect for other players and coaches.
- Review the Parents Guide to concussions which includes information about signs and symptoms.
- Children are only safe to return after a doctor or nurse practitioner says so.
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Information for sport organizations
Sports organizations are required under Rowan’s Law to:
- Ensure that athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under age 18, coaches, team trainers and officials confirm every year that they have reviewed Ontario’s concussion awareness resources.
- Establish a removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocol.
- Establish a concussion code of conduct that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention.
| Resources for sport organizations |
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Information for coaches
| Meet with parents and players at the beginning of the playing season and talk about important concussion prevention information |
- Players will not be allowed to play and must see a doctor immediately if they have a possible concussion.
- Players must tell an adult right away if they think they have a head injury.
- Players with a concussion will need to be cleared by a doctor to return to play and must follow the steps given by the doctor.
- Players must show respect for other players and coaches at all times.
- Parents and players should know the signs and symptoms of concussions (from Parachute Canada) or check out the concussion awareness resources from the Ontario Government.
- A player's gear must fit properly and meet safety standards for the sport.
- Have the concussion guide for coaches and trainers with you at games and practices.
- Help players to develop their skills and ensure that they play within their abilities.
- Talk about safety practices with players, such as avoiding aggressive behaviour and playing fair.
- Follow the return-to-sport strategy for players who have had a concussion. Children are only safe to return after a doctor says so.
- Review the concussion awareness resources from the Ontario Government.
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Information for educators
Information for health care professionals
