A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects.
There are many signs and symptoms of a concussion to look out for, including:

• headache
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• memory loss
• nausea
• light sensitivity
• drowsiness
• depression

If you notice signs of a concussion in others or experience any of these symptoms yourself, consult with a physician or nurse practitioner.

Updated Ontario Basketball Concussion Policy and Code of Conduct

Ontario Basketball’s concussion policy has been updated in collaboration with the Concussion Centre at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association and the Coaches Association of Ontario. The update is required by law in Ontario as Rowan’s Law came into effect on July 1, 2019.
The purpose of this Concussion Policy and Code of Conduct is to increase education and awareness for coaches, parents/guardians, players, officials, managers and other team or club members on the signs and symptoms of concussion and the specific protocols for managing concussion in Ontario Basketball (OBA) sanctioned activities.
This Concussion Policy and Code of Conduct aims to 1) ensure that players with a suspected concussion are removed-from-sport and seek medical assessment and 2) all players with a suspected and/or diagnosed concussion do not participate in OBA sanctioned activities before medically cleared to return to basketball.
This Concussion Policy and Code of Conduct applies to coaches and team trainers of all OBA sanctioned teams, to athletes participating in all OBA sanctioned activities, and to parents/guardians of participants.

Rowan’s Law: Concussion Awareness Resources

Review the Concussion Awareness Resources (if you are an athlete, parent, coach, team trainer or official).
Requirements for Sport Organizations
Ontario is a national leader in concussion management and prevention. Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018 makes it mandatory for sports organizations to:

1. ensure that athletes under 26 years of age,* parents of athletes under 18, coaches, team trainers and officials confirm every year that they have reviewed Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources

2. establish a Concussion Code of Conduct that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention

3. establish a Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocol

* Special Rule: A sport organization that is a university, college of applied arts and technology or other post-secondary institution must not register any athlete regardless of age unless the same requirements are met.
The new rules requiring the review of Concussion Awareness Resources and Concussion Codes of Conduct came into effect on July 1, 2019.
The rules for removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocols are expected to be in place by July 1, 2020.

Read more about the concussion requirements for sport organizations

Requirements for School Boards

The Ministry of Education has a concussion policy (PPM 158) for school boards, school authorities and provincial and demonstration schools. This policy is currently being updated by the Ministry of Education to be consistent with Rowan’s Law. Until PPM 158 is reissued, schools and school boards are advised to continue to follow their existing concussion policy.

Read more about the concussion requirements for schools

The Ottawa Sport Council is thrilled to announce the release of the Concussion Education Initiative video which has been developed for community sports participants. This educational video is designed to equip coaches, players, parents, board members, staff, and volunteers alike with the knowledge of how to apply the 4 R's of concussion management (Recognize, Remove, Refer, Return) in a sports setting.
Developed in partnership with Parachute Canada and SIRC (Sport Information Resource Centre) thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the information provided in this video aligns with the Canadian Harmonized Concussion Protocol (which is recognized by Sport Canada and is also Rowan's Law compliant) and presents valuable information about concussion signs and symptoms.

Why is this education important?
A concussion is a brain injury. It can’t be seen on X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It may affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects.

Who will benefit from this video?
Quite simply, anyone involved in sport. This could be players, parents, coaches, trainers, volunteers or board members. This training is also great for referees, conveners, tournament organizers, and anyone else who may need to make decisions about an athlete's ability to return to play or practice.