ROWAN'S LAW - CONCUSSION CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1. Purpose

The Greater Sudbury Ball Hockey League ("GSBHL") is committed to promoting a safe and respectful sporting environment and reducing the risk of concussions and other serious injuries.

In accordance with Ontario's Rowan's Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, and Ontario Regulation 161/19, the GSBHL requires applicable participants, parents/guardians, coaches, and team trainers to review the prescribed concussion awareness information and the League's Concussion Code of Conduct annually. Applicable officials must also complete the required annual concussion awareness review.

Official Ontario Resources: Ontario Concussion Awareness Resources

2. Ontario Concussion Awareness Resources

Before completing this acknowledgement, applicable individuals must review an official Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource appropriate to their age:

• Ages 10 and under
• Ages 11-14
• Ages 15 and older

Participants under 26 and parents/guardians of participants under 18 must provide the required annual confirmations before registration. Coaches, team trainers, and officials must satisfy the applicable annual requirements before serving with the League.

3. Understanding Concussions

I acknowledge that:

• A concussion is a brain injury that may result from an impact to the head, face, neck, body, or another force transmitted to the head;
• A concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness;
• Symptoms may develop immediately or over time;
• Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, balance difficulties, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise;
• Continuing to participate with a suspected concussion may increase the risk of further injury and serious complications; and
• Prompt reporting, medical assessment, and appropriate recovery are important.

4. Commitment to Fair Play and Respect

I agree to:

• Demonstrate respect toward all participants, officials, coaches, volunteers, and spectators;
• Follow applicable rules and safety requirements;
• Avoid reckless, dangerous, or deliberate actions that may cause injury;
• Promote fair play and a positive sporting environment;
• Encourage participants to prioritize their health and safety over winning; and
• Refrain from pressuring an injured participant to continue playing.

5. Commitment to Concussion Recognition and Reporting

I agree to:

• Immediately report any suspected concussion symptoms affecting me or a participant under my care;
• Report to a designated League representative when I suspect another participant may have sustained a concussion;
• Take reports of head injuries and concussion symptoms seriously;
• Refrain from hiding symptoms or encouraging another person to conceal an injury;
• Cooperate with League representatives responsible for concussion safety; and
• Provide relevant information concerning suspected or diagnosed concussions when necessary to implement the League's safety protocols.

6. Removal from Sport

I acknowledge that:

• A participant who has sustained or is suspected of having sustained a concussion must be immediately removed from further participation in accordance with the League's Removal-from-Sport Protocol;
• A removed participant must not return to play on the same day while the concussion remains suspected;
• A designated League representative will arrange emergency assistance where necessary;
• The parent or guardian of a minor participant will be informed of the removal;
• Medical assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner is required following removal for a suspected concussion before return is permitted under the applicable protocol; and
• The League's designated representatives are responsible for administering its removal and return procedures.

7. Commitment to the Return-to-Sport Process

I agree to:

• Follow the GSBHL's published Return-to-Sport Protocol;
• Obtain appropriate medical assessment and clearance as required;
• Respect recovery requirements and restrictions on physical activity;
• Provide the required documentation to the League;
• Support a participant's gradual return following a diagnosed concussion;
• Report recurring or worsening symptoms; and
• Refrain from returning to participation until the applicable protocol permits it.

I understand that a participant diagnosed with a concussion must follow the required graduated return process and obtain the necessary medical clearance before returning to unrestricted sport participation.

8. Responsibilities of Parents, Coaches and Team Trainers

Parents and guardians agree to encourage honest reporting of symptoms and support recovery and medical follow-up. Coaches and team trainers agree to:

• Encourage concussion awareness and reporting;
• Recognize and respond appropriately to suspected concussion symptoms;
• Cooperate with the designated individuals administering the League's protocols;
• Respect medical restrictions and required return-to-sport procedures; and
• Maintain a sporting environment where participants feel comfortable discussing injuries.

9. League Protocols

I acknowledge that the GSBHL maintains separate written procedures governing:

• Removal from sport following a suspected concussion;
• Notification of parents/guardians and other designated persons;
• Medical assessment and clearance;
• Graduated return to sport following a diagnosed concussion;
• Documentation and reporting of concussion incidents; and
• The responsibilities of designated League representatives.

GSBHL Removal-from-Sport Protocol: [INSERT DIRECT LINK]

GSBHL Return-to-Sport Protocol: [INSERT DIRECT LINK]

I understand that these protocols form part of the League's concussion safety procedures and must be followed.

10. Annual Acknowledgement

For participants under 26:

I confirm that I have reviewed an official Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource within the required 12-month period.

I confirm that I have reviewed the GSBHL Concussion Code of Conduct within the required 12-month period and agree to the applicable commitments.

For parents/guardians of participants under 18:

I confirm that I have reviewed an official Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource within the required 12-month period.

I confirm that I have reviewed the GSBHL Concussion Code of Conduct within the required 12-month period and agree to the applicable commitments.

For participants aged 26 and older:

I acknowledge that I have reviewed the League's concussion safety expectations and agree to follow its removal and return-to-sport procedures.

For coaches and team trainers:

I confirm that I have completed the required annual review of an official Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource and the GSBHL Concussion Code of Conduct, and agree to the applicable commitments.

For officials:

I confirm that I have reviewed an official Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource within the required annual period.

11. Electronic Signature

I confirm that all statements and acknowledgements applicable to my role have been made voluntarily and accurately.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. THIS AGREEMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO SUE.

1. Acknowledgement and Voluntary Participation

I acknowledge that I am at least 18 years of age and voluntarily wish to participate in activities organized, operated, or sanctioned by the Greater Sudbury Ball Hockey League ("GSBHL" or the "League"), including regular season games, playoffs, tournaments, practices, and other related league activities.

I understand that participation in ball hockey involves physical contact, physical exertion, and inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated, even when reasonable safety precautions are taken.

2. Assumption of Risk

I acknowledge that participation in ball hockey may expose me to foreseeable and unforeseeable risks, including but not limited to:

• Physical contact, collisions, and accidental or deliberate actions of other participants;
• Being struck by balls, sticks, or other equipment;
• Slips, trips, falls, and collisions with boards, walls, nets, or facility structures;
• Wet, uneven, slippery, damaged, or otherwise hazardous playing surfaces;
• Failure or improper use of protective equipment;
• Injuries resulting from participation in competitive or recreational play;
• Sprains, fractures, ligament and muscle injuries, dental injuries, concussions, permanent disabilities, paralysis, or death;
• Delays in receiving medical assistance.

I freely and voluntarily accept the risks associated with my participation, including risks arising from the actions or omissions of other participants, officials, volunteers, and other persons.

3. Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate, I hereby release and discharge the Greater Sudbury Ball Hockey League, its officers, directors, committee members, employees, volunteers, coaches, officials, representatives, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising from injury, illness, death, property loss, or damage connected with my participation in League activities, including claims based on the negligence of any Released Party, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

I understand that this release is intended to include claims arising from negligent acts or omissions, including those relating to supervision, organization, officiating, equipment, and the condition or maintenance of facilities, to the extent permitted by law.

Nothing in this Agreement is intended to exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limit any non-waivable statutory rights.

4. Medical Fitness and Emergency Treatment

I confirm that I am responsible for assessing my physical ability to participate and will not knowingly participate when medically unfit or when participation would create an unreasonable risk to myself or others.

In the event of an injury or medical emergency, I authorize League representatives to contact emergency medical services and arrange appropriate medical assistance. Qualified individuals may provide first aid within their training and abilities.

I understand that I am responsible for my own medical expenses to the extent such expenses are not covered by available insurance or applicable health benefits.

5. Concussion Safety and Rowan's Law

I acknowledge the risks associated with concussions and other head injuries. I agree to immediately report suspected concussion symptoms and comply with the GSBHL's Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocols.

I understand that the League may remove me from participation following a suspected concussion and that I cannot return until the requirements of the applicable protocol have been satisfied. Where required by Ontario law, I will complete the annual Rowan's Law acknowledgements.

6. League Rules, Discipline and Conduct

I agree to comply with all applicable League rules, safety requirements, codes of conduct, and disciplinary procedures, including applicable Ontario Ball Hockey Federation rules adopted by the GSBHL.

I understand that fighting, threatening behaviour, deliberate attempts to injure, harassment, discrimination, and other serious misconduct may result in disciplinary measures, including ejection, suspension, or removal from the League in accordance with applicable policies.

I acknowledge that disciplinary decisions, reviews, and appeals are governed by the League's published procedures.

7. Equipment and Personal Responsibility

I agree to wear all mandatory protective equipment required by the League and applicable governing-body rules. I am responsible for ensuring that my personal equipment is properly maintained and suitable for participation.

I agree to advise an official or League representative if I observe conditions presenting a significant safety concern.

8. Personal Property

I understand that I am responsible for safeguarding my personal belongings. To the extent permitted by law, the Released Parties are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property arising from my participation in League activities.

9. Registration Fees and Refunds

I acknowledge that registration fees, withdrawal deadlines, cancellations, and potential refunds are governed by the GSBHL's published Registration and Refund Policy provided during registration.

10. Electronic Acknowledgement and Signature

By signing electronically, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this entire Agreement;
• I understand that ball hockey involves the possibility of serious injury or death;
• I understand that I am agreeing to release certain legal claims, including claims arising from negligence;
• I am voluntarily agreeing to the terms of this Agreement;
• I agree to comply with applicable League rules and safety policies; and
• I understand that my electronic signature is intended to constitute my signature to this Agreement.