IMPACT.
IMPACT.
(noun)
1. The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
2. The effect or influence of one thing on another, especially over time.
(verb)
1. Come into forcible contact with another object.
2. Have a strong effect on someone or something.
Example:
Repeated non-concussive and concussive head impacts during years of contact sports can significantly impact an athlete’s cognitive and neurological health later in life, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
Stop the impact before it lasts a lifetime.
Repeated head impacts, both concussive and non-concussive, are now recognised as major contributors to long-term brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MND. Research shows that non-concussive hits, often symptomless, may be even more damaging over time (National Library of Medicine, 2015). These repeated impacts, common in sports like football, rugby, and boxing, disrupt brain function and increase the risk of cognitive decline. Athletes with three or more concussions are five times more likely to experience cognitive impairment later in life (Oxford University, 2023). Proper concussion protocols, early diagnosis, and prioritising rest and recovery are essential for protecting athletes' brain health and long-term well-being.
THE SOLUTION.
The Impact Campaign tackles the risks of concussive and non-concussive head impacts in contact sports—linked to conditions like CTE, dementia, and MND. Through Impact Packages sent to clubs, it promotes awareness, safer protocols, proper equipment, and early response to head trauma. At its core, the #RevealTheImpact movement urges action to protect young athletes’ brain health and long-term well-being.
THE PROTOTYPE - RUGBY
The IMPACT box will be sent to sports clubs to help raise awareness of both concussive and non-concussive head impacts, to highlight the long-term implications of neurodegenerative disorders and the importance of protecting athletes’ brain health. This #RevealTheImpact movement aims to shed light on the issue and create a conversation and environment where brain health is prioritised, ensuring a safer future for athletes, particularly younger individuals who are more vulnerable to traumatic brain injury.
What if your brain paid the price for every collision you make on the field, how many impacts can it take before it starts to show the damage?
The design of the ball is intentionally crafted to symbolise the hidden and cumulative effects of repetitive impacts in contact sports. As the ball is used during play, its outer surface gradually wears away, unveiling a secondary design beneath, which represents a brain. This hidden layer symbolises the unseen, internal damage caused by repeated head trauma, drawing attention to the risks athletes face in contact sports. It encourages reflection on the potential long-term consequences that may not be immediately visible, urging players, coaches, and teams to consider the effects beneath the surface and the importance of protecting brain health over time.
IT'S TIME TO ACT.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE RISK.
This campaign actively encourages sharing on social media to amplify awareness of the risks associated with nonconcussive and concussive head impacts. By fostering widespread engagement, it aims to spark conversations, promote education, and highlight the need for further research into the long-term effects of these impacts. Increased visibility will not only inform athletes, parents, and coaches but also drive collective action to prioritise athlete brain health and develop better support systems to protect future generations.
cONSIDER YOUR FUTURE.
Early recognition prevents long-term damage. This campaign empowers athletes and coaches with practical tools, expert-backed resources, and sport-specific guidance to reduce injury risk and promote safer play.
The IMPACT card offers a quick, easy-to-follow guide for recognising concussion symptoms and managing safe return-to-play steps. Visit the campaign website for video tutorials, training materials, and tailored prevention tips, your complete toolkit for protecting performance today and brain health for the future.
Take action.
Take action now—support injury prevention by implementing
strategies and using products designed to reduce risks. By prioritising safety and early intervention, we can significantly lower the chances of long-term brain damage. Adopting preventative measures today can help protect athletes from future neurodegenerative conditions, ensuring their health and well-being both now and in the years to come.
The concern surrounding both concussive and non-concussive head impacts in contact sports extends far beyond the prototype; sports like football, boxing, and American football have all shown a troubling prevalence of increased neurodegenerative disorders, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia, linked to repetitive impacts and traumatic brain injuries. The Impact campaign will send similar packages to sports clubs across the country to increase awareness, educate, and advocate for the issue. By increasing awareness and education, we can drive more research and develop effective prevention strategies to safeguard athletes’ futures.
DEVELOPMENT.
