A Code for All Levels of Sport: Implementing the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) across Canada
Introduction The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) was introduced to the Canadian sport system at the national level in 2022. It may be time to think about its role across the entire sport spectrum from the national level to the provincial and territorial level and to the local…
Creating safe spaces in recreational sport: A mental health perspective
Sports are often celebrated for their physical benefits, but they also play a crucial role in mental health. Participation in sports can improve mood, stress relief, and foster a sense of belonging (Bruner et al., 2018; Panza et al., 2020). However, while these benefits are well-documented, they aren’t always guaranteed. In fact, sport participation can…
The evolving role of coaches in athlete mental health
A coach’s influence In recent years, the mental health of athletes has garnered significant attention, both on and off the global stage. With young athletes and parents talking more openly about mental health, coaches are now finding themselves at the forefront of this discussion by being held responsible for recognizing and addressing mental health issues…
Putting mental health and performance at the heart of athlete development
Many different factors need to be considered to provide optimal development experiences for athletes. The supports and skills needed to promote lifelong sport engagement and the potential to achieve high performance go beyond the physical and sport-specific. In fact, the knowledge, attitudes, attributes and skills that promote athletes’ mental performance, mental health, relationship quality, and…
NoRefNoGame: The mental health costs of referee abuse in sports
A leading sport administrator, with over 3 decades of experience working with some of the biggest sport bodies in the country, says the kind of abuse faced by referees at all levels of sport in Canada has reached a “crisis” point that requires drastic measures. Johnny Misley, a former top official with Hockey Canada and…
Leveling the playing field: Accessibility in youth basketball
This article is part of a series in collaboration with the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) at Brock University and was presented at the CHYDS’ hosted Youth Sport Summit in April 2024. Most kids who have played basketball have never been on a basketball team. Despite its potential to be one of the…
The state of coaching sport: Landmark report reveals new insights and data
This article is part of a series in collaboration with the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) at Brock University and was presented at the CHYDS’ hosted Youth Sport Summit in April 2024. Coaching is the backbone of sport, fostering skill development, mentorship, and a sense of community among athletes and participants. With 1…
Beyond the scoreboard: Sport’s role in climate action
In recent years public awareness and concern about climate change have significantly increased. Organizations are increasingly acknowledging and addressing the direct link between their operations and climate change, embracing initiatives from paper straws to carbon offsets. However, as climate impacts intensify globally, and with both governments and corporations falling short of making sufficient progress on…
Partnering in the pursuit of putting people first
The objectives haven’t changed. The pathway in endeavouring to reach them, though, most certainly has. The aim is in the name. Pursuit. Pursuit in providing improved, impactful coaching and technical assistance to Canadian high-performance athletes. In increasing investment, both financial and in on-the-ground ways, into those individuals entrusted with shaping sport in this country. In…
Sport integrity: Why is it worth protecting?
Sports fans are all intimately familiar with the rules of their favourite sports: what’s allowed, and what will get you penalized. Many are less familiar with the behind-the-scenes rules that protect athletes and the integrity of sport itself. Why protect the integrity of sport? When the outcome of an event is predetermined by competition manipulation…