April Newsletter
- millie.puddephatt
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
STA Awards, Cultures of Support & Concussion Headlines.
Our Updates
Concussion Toolkit Attend the Sports Technology Awards!
On the 23rd April, we dusted off our smartest outfits and headed to the Sports Technology Awards 2025! We were absolutely buzzing to be shortlisted alongside some of the most exciting innovators reimagining the future of sport through tech.
No trophy for us this time (although we did steal a moment with one, evidenced above) — but being named a finalist was a huge win in itself. It shows that athlete welfare, inclusive design, and gender-responsive innovation are finally getting the spotlight they deserve — and we’re proud to be part of that movement.
Important reflections at the Women and Girls in Sport conference
We joined powerful conversations on equity, inclusion, and athlete wellbeing — with standout insights from the UK Sports Institute’s Gendered Approach project, echoing our own work at Concussion Toolkit.
News Page
Tackle Height Changes Linked to Drop in Head Contact
A new study by the University of Edinburgh has found that lowering tackle height in Scottish men’s community rugby led to significantly fewer head contacts.
Analysing over 18,000 tackles, researchers found a:
45% drop in head-on-head contact
29% drop in head-to-shoulder contact
19% drop in head/upper torso contact to the ball-carrier
Players were also 22% more likely to tackle bent at the waist — the recommended safer technique.
The findings show that small rule changes can make a big impact on concussion prevention. It would be interesting to explore whether this kind of collision mechanism would have similar effects in women’s rugby, given the study’s all-male sample.
Will Pucovski Retires at 27 After Ongoing Concussion Struggles
In a heartbreaking but brave move, former Australia Test opener Will Pucovski has announced his retirement from all levels of cricket at just 27.
Pucovski has suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, with the most recent occurring in March 2024 after being struck on the helmet during a Sheffield Shield match.
The injury triggered serious symptoms — including fatigue, headaches, and coordination issues — which ultimately led to his decision to step away from the game following medical advice.
While it’s incredibly sad to see such a talented player retire early, it’s powerful to see someone in his position put health above all else. Young athletes need role models like Will — people who show that brain injuries are serious, and recovery can’t be rushed. Huge respect.
Monthly Insight
Creating Cultures of Support in Sport: Why It Matters for Concussion Safety
Recent research has made one thing clear: we need a cultural shift in sport if we want to create safer environments for athletes. A study led by Dr John Batten highlights how transformational leadership — the kind of leadership that empowers and connects — can foster a strong sense of psychological safety within teams. This feeling of safety is key to encouraging athletes to speak up, both about their own concussion symptoms and those of their teammates.
Dr Matt Smith, co-author of the study and senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at the University of Winchester, explains:
“When athletes feel supported and understood by their coaches and teammates, they are more likely to engage in behaviours that prioritise health, including reporting concussions.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Enjoyed this months read? Make sure to sign-up to our next month's newsletter!
Commentaires