Spotting the hidden signs of burnout  

New research found that athletes who feel like they’re not making progress or no longer value their sport are more likely to underperform—regardless of whether they are physically exhausted. These warning signs of burnout highlight the need for coaches and sport leaders to check in on athletes’ motivation, not just their physical load.

Ryan Maxwell (ryan.maxwell@dal.ca) @ 06/07/2025

Sports officials are an integral part of ensuring that the integrity of a game/match is played within the spirit and intent of the rules. A large part of this role involves experiencing and diffusing conflict; however, in recent years, there has been increased demand for officials, perhaps due to new officials leaving refereeing after abusive…

Succession Planning

Recruitment and Orientation

Sport Governance and Leadership Trend Report – Board Recruitment

Sport Governance and Leadership Trend Report – Board Onboarding

Recruiting, retaining and supporting volunteers in a changing sport system

Paul Varian is a sport-management consultant and thought-leader with experience at all levels of the sport sector, from community and amateur sport to large national governing bodies.  Throughout his long career in sport, Varian has served as the Chief Executive of the Irish Hockey Association, President and CEO of Sport BC, and Manager of the…

Empowering mentees to lead

The experiences of women coaches in mentorship programs show that mentees want a learning environment that promotes agency and self-direction. When mentees can express their learning interests and preferences, they feel they can lead their training and find more value in the mentorship program.

Recruitment of officials

Community organizations across the country are experiencing a shortage of sport officials. Research shows that nearly 80% of sport officials across Canada are either previously or currently active as an athlete in the sport they officiate. Individuals already involved within a sport are likely candidates to recruit as officials due to their passion for the…

Long-term sport participation models

As sport leaders and organizations, we’re often concerned with participant retention. We rarely consider how dropout may play an important role in sport development pathways, or potential pathways for sport re-engagement later in life. The inclusion of sport dropout as a potential pathway in long-term sport participation models could push for a dialogue on how…