MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB

CONCUSSION CODE OF CONDUCT

Rowan's Law Compliance • Player & Coach Agreement

This Concussion Code of Conduct outlines the commitments required of all athletes, parents/guardians (for participants under 18), coaches, trainers, and officials to ensure a safe environment. In curling, slips and falls on the ice pose an inherent risk of head injury. By signing this document, you agree to prioritize brain safety, engage in fair play, and fully adhere to the mandatory protocols established under Ontario's Rowan's Law.

1.  Commitment to Prevention and On-Ice Etiquette

•  I will wear proper equipment: I will ensure clean, appropriate curling footwear is worn on the ice. I will wear recommended head protection or helmets if required or advised by the club's safety guidelines.

•  I will maintain safety awareness: I will develop my skills, ice awareness, and physical control to mitigate the risk of slipping or colliding on the sheets.

•  I will respect fair play: I will respect the rules and etiquette of curling, showing strict respect for all athletes, coaches, ice makers, and officials.

2.  Commitment to Honest Reporting & Peer Safety

•  I acknowledge concussions are serious: I understand that a concussion is a serious brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body, and that an individual does not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion.

•  I will report symptoms honestly: I will immediately report to an on-ice official, coach, or skip if I experience any symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or confusion).

•  I will speak up for others: If a teammate, opponent, or any curler takes a hard fall on the ice or displays signs of a concussion, I will immediately flag it to a coach, skip, or club representative.

•  Zero Pressure Environment: I acknowledge that the club guarantees no curler will ever be pressured to play through a potential head injury.

3.  Commitment to Safety Protocols

•  Removal-from-Sport Protocol: I understand that if I am suspected of having a concussion, I will be immediately removed from the ice and will not be permitted to return to play or practice for the remainder of the day.

•  Return-to-Sport Protocol: If diagnosed with a concussion, I will not return to regular league play, practice, or bonspiels until I have successfully completed a graduated return-to-curling strategy and provided a signed medical clearance note from a physician or nurse practitioner to the designated club official.

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