Whitecaps London follows Ontario Soccer’s concussion safety standards and Rowan’s Law, ensuring every suspected head injury is treated with care through mandatory removal, reporting, and medical clearance.
Whitecaps London follows the Ontario Soccer Concussion Management Policy, aligned with Rowan’s Law and Canada Soccer guidelines, to ensure the safety and long-term health of all players. This policy applies to all athletes, coaches, team officials, and parents participating in club-sanctioned activities, training sessions, and games.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body that transmits force to the head, resulting in temporary disturbance of brain function. It can occur without loss of consciousness. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating. All suspected concussions are to be treated as serious injuries requiring immediate action.
If a concussion is suspected during a training session or game, the player must be immediately removed from play and not permitted to return on the same day, even if symptoms appear to improve. “When in doubt, sit them out” applies in all cases. The team official must contact the player’s parent or guardian as soon as possible and complete a Whitecaps London Injury/Incident Report within 24 hours. The player must be referred to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner for assessment and written confirmation before returning to any physical activity.
Whitecaps London requires every player, parent, and coach to review and acknowledge the Ontario Soccer Concussion Awareness Resources annually, as required under Rowan’s Law. These materials outline the signs, symptoms, and steps for safe recovery and return to play.
The Return-to-Play Protocol includes five progressive stages and must be completed under medical supervision:
Rest and Recovery – Physical and cognitive rest until symptoms resolve.
Light Aerobic Activity – Walking or stationary cycling with no resistance or risk of impact.
Sport-Specific Exercise – Light soccer activities such as passing or jogging.
Non-Contact Training Drills – Higher-intensity drills with movement, coordination, and passing.
Full-Contact Practice and Return to Game Play – Only after written medical clearance is provided.
If symptoms reappear at any stage, the player must return to the previous step and remain symptom-free for 24 hours before progressing. Final clearance for return to play must come from a physician or nurse practitioner.
All coaches and team officials are responsible for understanding and enforcing this policy, documenting incidents, and ensuring compliance with medical recommendations. Whitecaps London will maintain records of all concussion reports and medical clearances as part of its player safety protocols.
This policy emphasizes education, prevention, and accountability. Whitecaps London is committed to fostering a culture of safety and awareness, ensuring that no game or practice is ever more important than a player’s long-term health.
