MIAA Announces New Concussion Education Initiative

Source: Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association 

FRANKLIN, Mass. – The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) announced today a new initiative to help raise awareness and better educate soccer players, parents, coaches and trainers on concussion injuries and proper treatment. 

In partnership with INARIA, a designer and manufacturer of soccer uniforms, apparel and equipment based in Exeter, N.H., and ThinkTaylor, a foundation driven and dedicated to changing the culture in the world of concussions, the MIAA will promote concussion awareness with special in-game features at high school varsity games across the state during the week of September 21.

“The MIAA is pleased to join ThinkTaylor and Inaria in launching this groundbreaking program designed to promote concussion awareness and safety,” said Bill Gaine, Executive Director of the MIAA.  “The MIAA is committed to the safety and welfare of our student-athletes across the Commonwealth, and our ThinkTaylor/MIAA Concussion Awareness Week underscores that commitment.  We can’t wait to see the soccer fields of Massachusetts painted orange for Concussion Awareness Week, and we look forward to taking the #TTpledge.”

Through its partnership with INARIA and ThinkTaylor, the MIAA’s week-long concussion awareness campaign will feature INARIA ThinkTaylor orange soccer balls, wrist bands, scarves, concussion awareness (#TTpledge) bag tags for players and much more at MIAA boy’s and girl’s high school varsity games beginning September 21.  The orange ThinkTaylor-branded INARIA soccer balls will be used for games and the other items will be provided to players, coaches, parents and other fans at fields around the state during this concussion awareness week.

“When our youth and parents are more educated (about concussions), their decisions will reflect that, and that is our main objective here at ThinkTaylor,” said ThinkTaylor’s founder, former New England Revolution/U.S. National Soccer Team star and current ESPN lead soccer analyst Taylor Twellman.  “Concussion Awareness Week is an idea that we’ve had since the moment ThinkTaylor was started, and I can’t tell you how proud I am that it starts here in Massachusetts.  There’s no doubt in my mind that it will spread beyond Massachusetts and beyond the sport of soccer, and we can’t wait to truly make a difference in the world of traumatic brain injuries.”

The ThinkTaylor/MIAA Pledge, promoted through social media as #TTPledge, will encourage students to better understand this injury, take it seriously and understand that on occasion a concussion can require time away from competition.

“We at INARIA feel privileged to partner with ThinkTaylor and the MIAA in this truly meaningful and impactful initiative,” said INARIA Marketing Director Ted Priestly.  “Knowing well the lengths to which ThinkTaylor and the MIAA have gone to promote concussion awareness, recognition and education, we are pleased to play our part in advancing this noble cause, raising concussion awareness through INARIA products.”

Schools and athletic directors will receive the orange INARIA ThinkTaylor soccer balls, wrist bands and other items in early September.  In addition, the INARIA – ThinkTaylor/MIAA Challenge will reward the high school that exhibits the most ‘Orange Awareness’ and spirit on social media (using the hashtag #InariaTTChallenge) with a set of custom uniforms for both boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams.

“That just adds to the fun,” added Priestly. 

THINKTAYLOR/MIAA CONCUSSION AWARENESS WEEK SPONSORS

Inaria

Digital Federal Credit Union

FOX25 News (official media partner)

Bag Tags, Inc.

Cumberland Farms

Mercedes Benz of Burlington

Gatorade

SportsScarf

Rick Bern Photography

ABOUT THE MIAA

The mission of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is to serve member schools and the maximum number of their students by providing leadership and support for the conduct of interscholastic athletics which enriches the educational experiences of all participants. The MIAA promotes interschool athletics that provide lifelong and life quality learning experiences to students while enhancing their achievement of educational goals.

ABOUT THINK TAYLOR

ThinkTaylor was founded by former Major League Soccer all-star and current ESPN Lead Soccer Analyst, Taylor Twellman. Twellman retired from professional soccer in 2010, due to complications from multiple concussions. In 2008, Taylor suffered a concussion that many believe ended his storied career and as Twellman later realized, this brain injury was far more than a career-ending injury; rather, it was a life-changing event. ThinkTaylor is driven and dedicated to changing the culture in the world of concussions. As a leader in the social change for concussion safety, ThinkTaylor’s positive message emphasizing awareness, recognition, education and putting the health of kids first helps create positive social change and in return a safer, healthier and smarter environment. ThinkTaylor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. More information can be found at thinktaylor.org

ABOUT INARIA

INARIA designs and manufactures a full-line of team sports and active apparel, including pro-style jerseys, practice jerseys, socks, warm-up suits and training apparel. The company offers full finishing, embellishment and unique customization services at its Canadian headquarters. By providing superior quality, value and quick turnaround time, the company’s goal is to continue to develop strong relationships with its customers and loyal sports enthusiasts. Performance Sports Group Ltd., the parent company of INARIA, is a publically-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange whose affiliates market products under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, INARIA, COMBAT and EASTON brand names. Performance Sports Group is a member of the Russell 2000 and 3000 Indexes, as well as the S&P/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index. For more information about INARIA, visit the company’s website at www.inariausa.com.