This week, Lakefield College School observed Rowan’s Law Day, marking an important moment to review our concussion policy and highlight the significance of concussion safety. On September 26, our Seniors in Charge (SICs) of the Health Centre, Avery ’25, Bokyung ’25, Bridget ’25, Lola ’25, and Mia ’25 led an informative Chapel presentation, sharing the powerful story of Rowan Stringer, a young rugby player whose tragic passing led to the creation of Rowan’s Law.
The SICs shared a video to underscore the importance of recognizing concussion symptoms and reminded students to act if they suspect a peer, competitor, or themselves may be affected. The presentation encouraged everyone to notify an adult immediately if they notice symptoms in someone after a head injury, no matter how minor it may seem. This collective responsibility helps ensure that every member of our community remains safe and supported.
Reviewing Concussion Protocol
Our teams also took the opportunity to revisit LCS's concussion protocol and reviewed the awareness posters from the hit. stop. sit. campaign. These steps remind us to stay vigilant, both on and off the field, by recognizing symptoms and responding with care.
Know the Symptoms
Recognizing the early signs of a concussion is crucial for quick action and recovery. Symptoms can appear immediately or even days after an injury and include:
Physical: Headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound.
Cognitive: Confusion, slower thinking, memory problems.
Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety.
Spotting Red Flags
Some signs signal a more serious injury. If you notice any of the following, seek emergency medical help immediately:
Neck pain
Double vision
Seizures
Vomiting more than once
Loss of consciousness
Steps for Concussion Safety
LCS follows a clear process for identifying and managing concussions:
Recognize the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms after any blow to the head or body.
Assess the Student: Trainers or staff assess the student and, if needed, take them to the Health Centre for further evaluation.
Support Recovery: Ensure a gradual return to school and sports, following the Health Centre’s protocol.
Honouring Rowan’s Legacy Rowan’s Law was established to honour Rowan Stringer, who tragically lost her life due to second impact syndrome. She suffered multiple concussions within a short time while playing rugby. Thanks to the advocacy of her parents,
Rowan’s Law and Rowan’s Law Day were created to bring awareness to the critical issue of concussion safety and prevent similar tragedies.
Let’s continue to protect each other by staying informed and speaking up whenever we suspect someone may be at risk. Together, we can make a difference in our community’s well-being.