To support municipalities in developing and/or implementing a concussion policy, the Grey Bruce Health Unit created a Municipal Concussion Policy Toolkit. The toolkit provides protocols, reference tools and resources that municipalities can use with partners to create a safe sport and recreation culture. The toolkit aligns with the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines Concussion Protocol and the first ever Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. In order to apply for the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport municipalities are required to have a concussion policy in place.

Municipalities play a vital role in providing and supporting community sport and recreation opportunities for children and youth in our communities. Research shows that young athletes are at particular risk when it comes to concussions. Concussions represent 21% of treated injuries among students within Ontario (Ontario Ministry of Education, Healthy Schools Unit, 2016).

Public Health works with municipalities and community partners to support the enhancement of policies within our community. Endorsement of a municipal policy will support a more consistent approach towards concussion prevention, identification and management of young athletes and participants involved in sport and recreation with suspected and/or diagnosed concussions among municipalities, schools and health care professionals.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit