Ontario Sees Drop in Youth Sports-Related Brain Injuries

A recent study indicates that Ontario has experienced a decline in sports-related brain injuries among youth following the implementation of Rowan’s Law. This legislation, enacted in 2018, aims to improve concussion awareness and safety protocols in sports. The findings, released on Rowan’s Law Day, show a promising nine per cent reduction in reported brain injuries during the 2018-2019 period compared to the previous years.

The law was named in memory of Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old who tragically died from injuries sustained while playing rugby. Her case highlighted the dangers of “second-impact syndrome,” where an athlete suffers additional brain trauma before recovering from a previous concussion. Tim Fleiszer, executive director of Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada, expressed optimism about the law’s impact, stating, “The initial findings — it appears the law is working.”

Legislative Background and Impact

Rowan’s Law was initiated by former Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Lisa MacLeod, who met with Stringer’s family after her death in 2013. The legislation mandates improved training for coaches and athletes, as well as comprehensive protocols for tracking and addressing head injuries. By shifting the focus on concussion education, the law aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The report, a collaboration between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada, was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Sport. It reveals that all sports-related brain injuries account for about 37 per cent of brain injuries treated in Ontario hospitals. This figure underscores the urgency of ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures in youth sports.

Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, a former Canadian Football League (CFL) player, called for other provinces to adopt similar legislation. “Knowing what to do when a concussion happens can save lives,” he emphasized. Lumsden has committed to donating his brain for future concussion research, further highlighting the importance of this issue.

Further Research Needed

The lead author of the study, Jesse Young from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, noted that while the study was not specifically designed to assess the impact of Rowan’s Law, the observed nine per cent decrease in sports-related traumatic brain injuries is significant. Young stated, “This warrants further investigation,” indicating that more comprehensive research is necessary to fully understand the law’s effectiveness.

In addition to the legislative efforts, public awareness and education are crucial. New Democrat MPP Catherine Fife, who supported the legislation, remarked that the progress made in concussion awareness reflects the love and dedication of Rowan’s parents in advocating for safety in sports. Liberal MPP John Fraser expressed satisfaction with the positive changes for young athletes and their families across Ontario.

Rowan’s Law Day, observed on the last Wednesday of September, serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and education about the risks of concussions in sports. As the province reflects on these findings, there is hope for a continued decline in brain injuries, benefiting youth athletes and their families alike.