Brain Injury Awareness Week 13-19 August

After a string of concussions on the football field and being hit by a car during a routine jog, hanging up the
boots was a no-brainer for former amateur footballer Jay Gordon.

Telling his story during Brain Injury Awareness Week (13-19 August), Mr Gordon hopes to raise awareness of the
importance of effectively treating concussions and minor brain injuries on the sporting field.

“Not being able to play football anymore is pretty disappointing, but if I’d had another concussion the long-term
effects could have been pretty nasty,” Mr Gordon said.

“I’ve got my university studies to consider and hopefully a long career, so that was definitely the deciding factor
in retiring from footy.”

Brain Injury Association of Tasmania board member Mark Lamont said his professional experience as a clinical
neuropsychologist had shown him first-hand the long-term effects of repeated brain injuries.

“Repeated concussions appear to have a cumulative effect and result in more severe and prolonged cognitive
deficits and can affect simple skills and functions we take for granted, such as following group conversations,
preparing a meal or driving a car,” Mr Lamont said.

“The risk of later developing degenerative conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s disease also appears to
be increased by repeated concussions.”

Former Australian Rules football strength and conditioning coach Damian Lawler said his eyes had been opened
to the poor treatment of concussion and brain injuries in sport.

“Whilst still of concern, the elite level is not our major focus, our biggest concern is around the culture of
concussion in sport,” he said.

“Areas of danger I believe are at the sub-elite, grass-roots and junior sport levels, where most people involved
are volunteers, and no clear and precise guidelines are established, based on current medical literature.”

Mr Lawler also highlighted the importance of education and a conservative approach to concussions in sport.

“No game is worth the risk of returning too soon from a concussion,” he said.

Brain Injury Awareness Week runs from 13-19 August. Buy a blue beanie and support the over 1.6 million

Australians (1 in 12) affected by Acquired Brain Injury. For more information, visit
https://bangonabeanie.com.au/
Brain Injury Association of Tasmania