Concussion Protocol & Rowan's Law
As with all contact sports, concussions are a prevalent injury in cheerleading. We take concussions seriously at CPA and want to ensure the safest and best care. Cheer Canada and the Ontario Cheerleading Federation are working diligently to create a standard of care with protocols for assessment and return to sport from a suspected concussion. Our coaches are not qualified to diagnose a concussion, but are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of one. They are trained to do the following:
- Completed the NCCP Making Head Way certification
- Taking all possible measures to try to prevent the injury from happening in the first place by teaching correct technique and take preventative measures such as spotting new skills, and having athletes wear sparring helmets.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, notify and inform the athlete’s parents about getting the potential concussion diagnosed.
- Require a note for the athlete to return to sport from a licensed health care practitioner, such as a medical doctor, physiotherapist, or chiropractor.
We will do whatever we can to help in preventing further risk to your athlete, but also expect you and your athlete to take similar steps in helping them return to sport. Below is important information from the Ontario Cheerleading Federation and Rowan's Law.
All participating athletes (and their parents) must complete the following:
- Watch the CheerMED Concussion Awareness & Prevention video to the 15 minute mark
- Confirm they have read and committed to the OCF Concussion Code of Conduct
- Read the ministry approved concussion awareness readings for their age group: