Rowan’s Law: Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource e-booklet: Ages 10 and Under

Learn more about concussions if you are an athlete, student, parent, coach, official or educator. This information will help keep yourself and others active and safe.

Download PDF

Participating in sports and other activities is fun and healthy. But sometimes when you play you can hurt yourself. Did you know you can even hurt your brain?

Hurting your brain is different from other injuries. If you sprain your ankle, you can see it get all red and puffy. But when you hurt your brain, it doesn’t show on the outside because it’s inside your head!

One kind of brain injury is called a concussion. Keep reading to learn about concussions and what to do if you think you might have one. Your brain is very important, so you want to keep it safe!

What is a concussion?

A concussion happens when your brain moves around inside your head. A hard bump to your head, neck or body can cause a concussion. For example, you can get a concussion if you are hit in the head with a ball or if you fall down hard onto the floor.

A concussion is a serious injury. Most people get better quickly but some people have long-term problems with their memory or how they feel.

Keep your brain safe: Prevent concussions!

Learn about concussions to help stay safe. You can also:

Make sure your sports equipment is in good condition, that it fits and that you are wearing it properly.
Follow the rules of your sport or activity. This also means listening to your coach or teacher when they give you instructions, like putting equipment away so no one trips on it.
Read and talk about how to follow the Concussion Code of Conduct for your sport.
If you get hurt and don’t feel right, make sure to tell a parent, coach, teacher or other adult you trust so they can help.

Keep your brain safe: Know the signs and symptoms of a concussion!

Your brain controls how you think, feel and move. So, hurting your brain can affect you in lots of ways. The chart below shows some common signs and symptoms of a concussion.

How you might feel:

Headache
Dizziness
Throwing up or feeling like throwing up
Blurred vision
Lights or sounds bother you
Ringing in your ears
Balance problems
Tired
“Don’t feel right”

Thinking problems:

Feeling confused
Problems concentrating
Problems remembering, like what happened before you got hurt

Emotions:

Upset or grumpy
More sad than usual
Nervous or anxious

Sleep problems:

Sleeping more than usual
Sleeping less than usual
Having a hard time falling asleep

If you think you, a friend, teammate or classmate has one or more of these symptoms, tell an adult you trust. You should not be left alone if you think you have a concussion.

Keep your brain safe: What to do if you think you have a concussion.

If you have one or more of these symptoms you should:

Stop playing.
Tell an adult, like a parent, teacher or coach.
Get checked by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Rest and recover.

Getting better

When you have a concussion, rest is the first step for getting better. You will have to stop doing things for a bit if they make you feel worse, such as playing video games, school work, using a phone or tablet, playing sports or taking part in physical education class. You need to get proper sleep.

As your brain heals, you will slowly get back to your usual activities at school, at play and in sport. Getting back to your full routine at school is an important step in getting better. First, you will do simple things such as reading and going for short walks. Once you can do things like this without feeling worse, you can move to the next step. As long as you feel OK, your parents, coaches and teachers will help you add more activities, such as running, playing with friends, attending school and practising your sport. The last step will be taking part in games or competitions.

Your medical doctor or nurse practitioner will tell you when it’s OK to go back to your activities.

Playing safe will help prevent you from getting injured so that you can keep doing things you love! If you think you might have a concussion, remember:

Stop playing.
Tell an adult.
Get checked by a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Rest and recover.

This e-booklet is part of a series of Rowan’s Law concussion awareness resources. Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, who was a high school rugby player from Ottawa. One day, while playing rugby with her team, Rowan got a concussion. Most people with a concussion get better after they rest and heal. But Rowan didn’t know her brain was hurt and needed time to heal. Her parents, teachers and coaches didn’t know, either. So, Rowan kept playing rugby. She got hurt two more times. Rowan’s brain was so badly hurt that she couldn’t get better.

This resource is not meant to replace medical advice about your health care. For more information about concussions please speak with a physician or nurse practitioner.

___________________________________

Rowan’s Law: Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource e-booklet: Ages 11-14

Learn more about concussions if you are an athlete, student, parent, coach, official or educator. This information will help keep yourself and others active and safe.

Download PDF

Preventing injuries will help you stay active throughout your life. Some injuries are easy to see and treat, but what about an injury inside your head? Brain injuries, such as concussions, don’t show on the outside and are not always obvious. Even though others can’t see your concussion, you will feel the effects and need the proper care to get better.

This resource will help you learn more about concussions, so you can stay active and safe.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury. It can’t be seen on X-rays or through other medical procedures such as CT scans or MRIs. Having a concussion may affect the way you think, feel and act.

Any blow to your head, face or neck may cause a concussion. A concussion may also be caused by a blow to your body if the force of the blow causes your brain to move around inside your skull. Examples include being hit in the head with a ball or falling hard onto the floor.

A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects, such as memory problems or depression.

Preventing a concussion

First, educate yourself about concussions. You should also:

Make sure your sports equipmentis in good condition;
Make sure your equipment fits properly;
Respect the rules of your sport;
Follow your sport club/school’s Concussion Code of Conduct; and
Report injuries to an adult you trust, such as a parent, coach or teacher. Understand the importance of speaking up to avoid risks of further injury.

Recognizing a concussion

If you have a concussion you might have one or more of the signs or symptoms listed below. They might show up right away or hours, even days, later. Just one sign or symptom is enough to suspect a concussion. Most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness.

Common signs and symptoms of concussions

Physical:

Headache
Pressure in the head
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Ringing in the ears
Balance problems
Tired or low energy
Drowsiness
“Don’t feel right”

Cognitive (Thinking):

Not thinking clearly
Slower thinking
Feeling confused
Problems concentrating
Problems remembering

Emotional:

Irritability (easily upset or angered)
Depression
Sadness
Nervous or anxious

Sleep-related:

Sleeping more or less than usual
Having a hard time falling asleep

Red Flags

“Red flags” may mean the person has a more serious injury. Treat red flags as an emergency and call 911. Red flags include:

Neck pain or tenderness
Double vision
Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
Severe or increasing headache
Seizure or convulsion
Loss of consciousness (knocked out)
Vomiting more than once
Increasingly restless, agitated or aggressive
Getting more and more confused

What to do next

If you think you have a concussion, stop the activity right away. Tell a parent, coach, teacher or another trusted adult how you feel. If you’re not with your parent or guardian, have someone call them to come get you. You should not be left alone.

See a physician or nurse practitioner as soon as possible. You should not return to sport until you have received medical clearance to do so even if you think you are OK.

If a friend, classmate or teammate tells you about their symptoms, or if you see signs they might have a concussion, tell an adult you trust so they can help.

Getting better

Most people with a concussion get better in one to four weeks. Some people take longer. Each concussion is unique. Don’t compare your recovery to someone else’s, or to another concussion you’ve had before.

It’s possible for a concussion to have long-term effects. People may experience symptoms, such as headaches, neck pain or vision problems, that last for months, or even years. Some may have lasting changes in their brain that lead to issues such as memory loss, concentration problems or depression. In rare cases, a person who suffers multiple brain injuries without healing in between may develop dangerous swelling in their brain, a condition known as second impact syndrome, that can result in severe disability or death.

While you’re recovering, you shouldn’t do activities that may make your symptoms worse. This may mean limiting activities such as exercising, school work, or time on your phone, computer or TV.

Healing from a concussion takes patience. It can be tough to wait, but rushing back to activities can make your symptoms worse and can make recovery longer.

If you have a concussion, tell your parents, all sport teams/clubs, schools, coaches and teachers.

And remember, returning to school comes before returning to sport.

Returning to School and Sport

If you are diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner as having a concussion, you must follow your sport club’s return-to-sport protocol and/or your school’s return-to-school plan, where applicable. The return-to-sport protocol is a list of steps that you must follow before you can return to sport. You must not go back to participating in training, practice or competition until a physician or nurse practitioner says it’s OK for you to do so.

You should work with your health care professional and sport club/school to establish a plan for you to return to sport and to school safely. Contact your school for more information.

Most return-to-sport protocols suggest that athletes should rest for 24 to 48 hours before starting any gradual return to sport.

The table below provides a list of steps and activities that are commonly found in most return-to-sport protocols and return-to-school plans.

Step	Aim	Activities	Goal of Step
1	Symptom-limiting activities	Daily activities that don’t make symptoms worse, such as moving around the home and simple chores	Gradual re-introduction of daily school, and work activities
2	Light aerobic activity	Light activities that increase the heart rate just a little, such as walking or riding a stationary bicycle for 10 to 15 minutes	Increase heart rate
3	Sport-specific exercise	Individual physical activity such as running or skating No contact or head impact activities	Add movement
4	Non-contact training, practice, drills	Harder training drills Add resistance training (if appropriate)	Exercise, co-ordination and increased thinking
5	Unrestricted practice	Unrestricted practice – with contact where applicable	Restore confidence and assess functional skills
6	Return to sport	Unrestricted game play or competition
Table: Common Steps in Graduated Return-to-Sport Protocols

Medical clearance is always required prior to the athlete’s return to unrestricted practice, training or competition.

Check with your sport club and school for the specific steps that you should follow.

You are ready to move to the next step when you can do the activities at your current step without feeling worse or getting new symptoms. If at any step your symptoms get worse, you should stop and go back to the previous step. Each step should take at least 24 hours to complete. If symptoms do not improve or if they continue to get worse, you should return to the physician or nurse practitioner.

It’s important to stay safe when you play sports. When it comes to concussions, remember:

Recognize signs and symptoms of a concussion and stop activity immediately, even if you think you might be OK. Tell an adult.
Get checked out by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Gradually return to school and sport.

This e-booklet is part of a series of Rowan’s Law concussion awareness resources. Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa, who died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome (swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed). Rowan is believed to have experienced three concussions over six days while playing rugby. She had a concussion, but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal. Neither did her parents, teachers or coaches.

This resource is not meant to provide medical advice about your health care. For advice on health care for concussion symptoms, please consult with a physician or nurse practitioner.

_________________________________

Rowan’s Law: Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource e-booklet: Ages 15 and up

Learn more about concussions if you are an athlete, student, parent, coach, official or educator. This information will help keep yourself and others active and safe.

Download PDF

Preventing injuries is important to keeping people active throughout their lives. Some injuries are easy to see and treat but what about an injury inside the head? Brain injuries, such as concussions, don’t show on the outside and are not always obvious. Even when you can’t see the injury, a person with a concussion still feels the effects and needs the proper care to get better.

This resource will help you learn more about concussions so you can keep yourself and others active and safe – whether you’re an athlete, student, parent, coach, official or educator.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury. It can’t be seen on X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It may affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.

Any blow to the head, face or neck may cause a concussion. A concussion may also be caused by a blow to the body if the force of the blow causes the brain to move around inside the skull. Examples include being hit in the head with a ball or falling hard onto the floor.

A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects, such as memory problems or depression.

Preventing a concussion

First, educate yourself about concussions. You should also:

Ensure you/your athletes use sports equipment that is in good condition;
Ensure that you/athletes you are supervising wear equipment that fits properly;
Ensure you/your athletes respect the rules of the sport;
Commit to your sport organization/school’s Concussion Code of Conduct and make sure your athletes do, too;
Promote a safe and comfortable environment for everyone to report injuries. Make sure everyone understands the risks of not speaking up.

Recognizing a concussion

Everyone can help recognize a possible concussion if they know what to look and listen for.

A person with a concussion might have one or more of the signs or symptoms listed below. They might show up right away or hours, even days, later. Just one sign or symptom is enough to suspect a concussion. Most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness.

Common signs and symptoms of concussions

Physical:

Headache
Pressure in the head
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Ringing in the ears
Balance problems
Tired or low energy
Drowsiness
“Don’t feel right”

Cognitive (Thinking):

Not thinking clearly
Slower thinking
Feeling confused
Problems concentrating
Problems remembering

Emotional:

Irritability (easily upset or angered)
Depression
Sadness
Nervous or anxious

Sleep-related:

Sleeping more or less than usual
Having a hard time falling asleep

Red Flags

“Red flags” may mean you have a more serious injury. Treat red flags as an emergency and call 911.

Neck pain or tenderness
Double vision
Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
Severe or increasing headache
Seizure or convulsion
Loss of consciousness (knocked out)
Vomiting more than once
Increasingly restless, agitated or aggressive
Getting more and more confused

What to do next

If you suspect a concussion, remove yourself or the person you are supervising from the activity right away. Continuing to participate puts you or the person with a suspected concussion at risk of more severe, longer-lasting symptoms. Call the parent/guardian (for athletes under 18 years of age) or emergency contact. Don’t leave anyone with a suspected concussion alone.

Anyone who has been removed from sport with a suspected concussion should see a physician or nurse practitioner as soon as possible. That person should not return to unrestricted participation in training, practice or competition until they have received medical clearance.

Getting better

Most people with a concussion get better in one to four weeks. Some people take longer. Each concussion is unique – don’t compare one person’s recovery to another’s.

While a person is recovering from a concussion, they shouldn’t do activities that may make their symptoms worse. This may mean limiting activities such as exercising, screen time or school work.

Healing from a concussion is a process that takes patience. Rushing back to activities can make symptoms worse and recovery longer.

Anyone who has a concussion should let others know. This includes parents, all sport teams/clubs, schools, coaches and educators.

And remember, returning to school comes before returning to unrestricted sport.

Returning to School and Sport

Athletes and students who are diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner as having a concussion must proceed through their sport organization’s return-to-sport protocol and/or, where applicable, their school board’s return-to-school plan.

Athletes and students should work with their health-care professional and sport organization/school to establish their individual plans to return to sport as well as return to school.

The Return-to-School Plan (Learning and Physical Activity)

Students in elementary and secondary school will need to follow their school board’s return-to-school plan, which supports a student’s gradual return to learning and return to physical activity. Contact the school for more information.

The Return-to-Sport Protocol

Most return-to-sport protocols suggest that athletes should rest for 24 to 48 hours before starting any gradual return to sport. An athlete must not resume unrestricted participation in training, practice or competition until they have received medical clearance.

The table below provides a list of steps and activities that are commonly found in most return-to-sport protocols and return-to-school plans.

Step	Aim	Activities	Goal of Step
1	Symptom-limiting activities	Daily activities that don’t make symptoms worse, such as moving around the home and simple chores	Gradual re-introduction of daily school, and work activities
2	Light aerobic activity	Light activities that increase the heart rate just a little, such as walking or a stationary bicycle for 10 to 15 minutes	Increase heart rate
3	Sport-specific exercise	Individual physical activity such as running or skating No contact or head impact activities	Add movement
4	Non-contact training, practice, drills	Harder training drills Add resistance training (if appropriate)	Exercise, co-ordination and increased thinking
5	Unrestricted practice	Unrestricted practice – with contact where applicable	Restore confidence and assess functional skills
6	Return to sport	Unrestricted game play or competition
Table: Common Steps in Graduated Return-to-Sport Protocols

Medical clearance is always required before the athlete’s return to unrestricted practice, training or competition.

Check with the sport organization and school for the specific steps that should be followed.

An athlete is typically ready to progress to the next step when they can do the activities at their current step without new or worsening symptoms. If at any step symptoms get worse, they should stop and go back to the previous step. Each step should take at least 24 hours to complete. If symptoms do not improve or if the symptoms continue to worsen, the athlete should return to the physician or nurse practitioner.

Remember:

Recognize signs and symptoms of a concussion and remove yourself or the athlete from the sport/physical activity, even if you feel OK or they insist they are OK.
Get yourself/the athlete checked out by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Support gradual return to school and sport.

This e-booklet is part of a series of Rowan’s Law concussion awareness resources. Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa, who died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome (swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed). Rowan is believed to have experienced three concussions over six days while playing rugby. She had a concussion but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal. Neither did her parents, teachers or coaches.

These resources are not intended to provide medical advice relating to health care. For advice on health care for concussion symptoms, please consult with a physician or nurse practitioner.

Rowan’s Law Acknowledgement Form for Athletes and Parents/Guardians

Athletes under 26 and parents of athletes under 18 years of age must confirm that they have reviewed the Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resources below and Skate Ontario’s Concussion Code of Conduct for Athletes and Parents/Guardians prior to registration and/or on the first day of skating.

https://https://skateontario.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Skate-Ontarios-Code-of-Conduct-Athletes-and-Parents-Guardians-Acknowledgement-Sheet-1.pdf/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Skate-Ontarios-Code-of-Conduct-Athletes-and-Parents-Guardians-Acknowledgement-Sheet-1.pdf

Refund and Credit Policy

Prior to Season Commencing:

Program withdrawal requests made prior to the program start date will be refunded in full.
Withdrawal and change requests must be in writing by email to westelginsc@gmail.com
The Skate Canada Fee is Non-Refundable for any reason

Change Requests After the Program Has Commenced:

Program withdrawal requests made after the program has started must be made in writing by email to westelginsc@gmail.com within two weeks of starting the program. Refunds will not be issued after two weeks and will be credited to the West Elgin Skating Club.
Refunds will be issued in exceptional circumstances (ie. doctor’s note, illness, injury, other) at the Board’s Discretion after the two week period. Please email a written request for a full refund for exceptional circumstances to westelginsc@gmail.com
The Skate Canada Fee is Non Refundable for any reason.

FUNDRAISING POLICY

Registration fees do not cover our expenses, so fundraising is an absolute necessity!

In an effort to keep skating an affordable sport, every family must participate.

Bingo revenue is by far our greatest source of income. Without it, registration fees would rise significantly. Our bingo’s continue to be done at the Jackpot City Gaming Entertainment St. Thomas, located at 140 Edward St. St. Thomas. Each family is required to complete 2 bingo’s per year with each bingo lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Your job at bingo will be collecting garbage from the tables and will not include the selling of cards or the collection of any money.

The revenue generated from Bingo Assignments pays our Ice Fees and most of our Coach Fees.

You will be required to complete online training before fulfilling your assignment. We will send a link to this training to club members. It takes about 30-45 minutes. We ask for your cooperation to complete this online training at the beginning of our season.

We will collect two Volunteer Cheques of $180 dated for August 31, 2023 (made payable to West Elgin Skating Club) during the first week of skating. If you do not have personal cheques, we will invoice you for incomplete volunteer assignments on August 31st, 2023. Once you complete your Bingo Assignment(s) this volunteer fee becomes null and void and your cheques will be returned and/or you will not be invoiced in August of 2023. The Volunteer Cheques are to ensure we get your commitment to this fundraising opportunity.

We are proud to be part of the St. Thomas Gaming Charity Program. Because of our participation, we have been able to keep program fees affordable to you!

There are no other fundraising obligations on your part!

Helmet Policy

The West Elgin Skating Club abides by the Skate Canada Helmet Use Policy. As such, all skaters, including adults, must wear CSA approved helmets until completion of Stage 5 CanSkate.

“All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.
This policy also applies to all other Skate Canada programs, therefore anyone who lacks good control/balance when skating forward, backward and has difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.”

Skate Canada Helmet Use Policy – Information for Clubs, Coaches and Parents

On July 1, 2011 Skate Canada implemented a Helmet Use policy. This policy was implemented as a proactive safety measure to help protect members in the early stages of the CanSkate program that are learning how to skate. Skate Canada believes it is an appropriate time to implement such a policy to help prevent future injuries to its members that are learning how to skate. In the development of the policy Skate Canada consulted various groups of individuals including parents, and the policy was approved by the Skate Canada Board of Directors earlier in 2011.

Skate Canada is proud of its CanSkate program, the best learn-to-skate program in Canada, and we will continue to develop policies and programming that create a better and safer learn-to-skate experience for our skaters. If you would like more information on helmet use and injury prevention we recommend you visit http://www.parachutecanada.org/.

Helmet Use FAQs:

How should the hockey helmet fit?

For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head.
A hockey helmet should fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened.
All CSA certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification.
Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort.

Why only hockey helmets?

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Are face masks required as well?

Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.

Are used hockey helmets acceptable?

Hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If the CSA sticker is not present, throw the product away. Hockey helmets normally last for about three to five years. Hockey helmets must not be used if previously subjected to a major impact or if older than five years or if showing visible signs of damage or if parts are missing. Hockey helmets must have labeling with the date of manufacture and have a chin strap. It is important that the helmet fit properly in order to ensure proper protection.

Can a parent sign a waiver absolving the club from any liability and allow their child to participate without a helmet?

No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a Skate Canada Policy and all clubs and members must abide by our policies. Therefore in order to participate in the CanSkate program all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use?

Skaters who lack good control/balance when skating forward, backward and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age.
The CanSkate program has been developed to introduce basic skating skills to beginners in a safe and sequential manner. The learning progressions leading to and included in Stage 5 allow skaters to gain the necessary skills (balance, agility, and control) required to safely participate on the ice. While it may be likely that many Stage 5 skaters can skate reasonably well, ice surfaces can be very unpredictable and there is always a risk of falling, no matter what stage a skater is at. CanSkaters participate in a group environment with other skaters on the ice of different levels who may fall and cause other skaters to fall.

This is an additional cost for parents. Does Skate Canada provide any incentives or fee reductions for CanSkate members having to purchase a helmet?

Most hockey helmets retail for approximately $50. Many CSA approved hockey helmets are adjustable and could be used for many years of skating both within the club and recreationally outdoors during the winter months. Skate Canada does not currently offer any incentives for parents.

**The West Elgin Skating Club understands this mandate requires a financial investment. If this is a financial hardship for you please let us know and we will work with our local service clubs to ask for their assistance.

What should the coaches do if there is a skater on the ice that should be wearing a helmet, but is not?

The helmet policy is not optional for clubs therefore should a skater who, according to our policy must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, arrives at the rink and wishes to go on the ice without a helmet, he/she must be refused entry onto the ice surface.

Coaches are aware of this new policy and coaches should not be put into a situation where a skater who must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet is on the ice without the proper helmet. If this happens, the coach should escort the child off the ice as he/she does not meet the Skate Canada helmet policy requirement to participate in that program. Coaches must ensure the safety of the skaters at all times therefore if a skater is on the ice without an approved hockey helmet, this is a safety concern that must be addressed.

A coach cannot be reprimanded for enforcing Skate Canada Rules and Policies within a club. Coaches should encourage and positively reinforce the use of hockey helmets in the CanSkate program.

What other tips could you provide regarding prevention of falls and head injury?

There are several ways to avoid head injury, in addition to wearing a helmet. The following are some basic guidelines:

Use quality equipment – skates with good support, proper fit, laced correctly and sharpened regularly help the skater maintain control on the ice – therefore less chance of falling
Dress appropriately – no scarves, overly bulky snowsuits, or hair in the face as this may restrict movement, visionWarm up and cool down appropriately – to avoid muscle strain and stress on the joints
Use skill progressions to prepare for more difficult moves; coach must ensure that beginners are taught proper way to fall and get upEnsure coaches have valid first aid certification
Group activity and practice areas must be well-supervised; during skill circuits and drills, skaters should be travelling in one direction to avoid collisions.
Use pylons to mark any holes or cracks on the ice.
Teaching aids must be safe and appropriate for the level of skater.
Ensure sufficient space between skaters while executing skills.
The number of skaters on the ice should be appropriate to the size and skill level of the skaters, the size of the ice surface and the nature of the activity.
Enforce on-ice safety rules:look in the direction of travel when skating backwards o no pushing, playing tag or other horse play,no gum, candy on the ice,keep rink doors closed during session, stops should be done a safe distance from the boards, keep first aid kit accessible

How can I identify a hockey helmet that is CSA approved? Where will the logo appear on the hockey helmet?

The CSA approved logo will be found on the back of the hockey helmet affixed to the outer shell of the helmet. For more information about CSA standards visit http://www.csagroup.org/global/en/consumers/safety-tips/recreational/hockey-helmets

We will checking helmets to ensure that all of our skaters comply and adhere to the Helmet Policy. Please understand that this is for the purpose of promoting safe skating and for liability and insurance purposes. We have consulted with our insurance carrier BFI to confirm the above information. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please let us know right away.

PAYMENT POLICY

Members may pay registration fees in full or by installment.
A minimum deposit of $100 program fee plus $45 Skate Canada fee is required at registration.
The Skate Canada Fee is non-refundable.

We offer a payment plan to members to pay the balance in two instalments:

Initial Deposit: $100 upon registration
First Instalment Due Date: October 26, 2022
Second Instalment Due Date: November 25, 2022

All fees must be paid by November 25th.

Payment Options: Credit Card, Etransfer and Cheque

Etransfer instructions: send to westelginsc@gmail.com, password is skatersrule. Please put your full name in the etransfer
Cheques: Payable to West Elgin Skating Club.

There is a $25 NSF Fee for Insufficient Funds, this will be credited to West Elgin Skating Club.

Financial Assistance is available to members through the Jumpstart Program. For more information please visit: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/

Prior to Season Commencing:

Program withdrawal requests made prior to the program start date will be refunded in full.
Withdrawal and change requests must be in writing by email to westelginsc@gmail.com
The Skate Canada Fee is Non-Refundable for any reason

Change Requests After the Program Has Commenced:

Program withdrawal requests made after the program has started must be made in writing by email to westelginsc@gmail.com within two weeks of starting the program. Refunds will not be issued after two weeks and will be credited to the West Elgin Skating Club.
Refunds will be issued in exceptional circumstances (ie. doctor’s note, illness, injury, other) at the Board’s Discretion after the two week period. Please email a written request for a full refund for exceptional circumstances to westelginsc@gmail.com
The Skate Canada Fee is Non Refundable for any reason.

Ice Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

Ice Scheduling

Cancellations: Ice allocations are done by the Municipality of West Elgin. In the event of a cancellation, an email will be sent to members and a notice will be posted to Facebook as well as our bulletin board at the arena. There is no make-up policy for sessions cancelled due to inclement weather, town ice deletions, or any other unforeseen circumstances for which WESC cannot be held responsible.
‘NO SKATING’ Dates: Dates listed as ‘no skating’ dates on registration materials are due to KNOWN ice cancellations, and were NOT included as part of your program fee.

Should your child miss a class there are NO make-up sessions allowed for PreCanSkate and CanSkate.

Kim Lewinsky
Gagner & Associates
Excel Realty Services Inc
Brokerage
149 St. Clair Street
Chatham, ON N7L 3J4
(519)436-6161