Knowledge Nuggets The impact of RED-S on performance Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) can negatively affect an athlete’s performance in many ways. For example, associated iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia can decrease athletes’ aerobic work capacity. RED-S can also interfere with an athlete’s ability to consistently... Athlete Development High Performance Risk management
Knowledge Nuggets Athletes who ‘play-up’ ‘Playing-up,’ or competing at a higher age level than a player’s actual age, can be both challenging and rewarding for youth athletes. According to new research, athletes who play up find the experience more positive when their teammates include them... Athlete Development Children and Youth Coaching
Knowledge Nuggets Multi-sport participation Youth who participate in multiple sports may be able to improve their performance in a given sport more quickly than their specialized peers. For example, in a study of 12-year-old soccer players, those who participated in multiple sports demonstrated greater... Athlete Development Children and Youth Sport Participation
Knowledge Nuggets Peer-led education Peer-led education programs, such as You-CAN, can help high-school students better understand and deal with a concussion. Because youth are strongly influenced by their social networks, peer education can shape students’ knowledge (what they know about concussion), attitudes (what they... Children and Youth Concussion Knowledge Mobilization
Knowledge Nuggets Mental health in high performance sport The mental health of athletes and key leaders supporting them is essential for performing consistently at the highest levels and achieving success in sport. The Mental Health Strategy for High Performance Sport in Canada provides a new roadmap for improving... Athlete Development High Performance Mental Health
Knowledge Nuggets Competition stressors Unexpected competition stressors, such as an injury or unfavourable referee call, are common for athletes. In fact, some athletes report experiencing unexpected stressors not because they are unfamiliar with the stressor, but because they didn’t think it would happen to... Athlete Development Coaching Mental Skills
Knowledge Nuggets Gendered athlete representations on social media How athletes are portrayed on social media can influence sport participation among girls and women. An analysis of tweets during the 2018 Commonwealth Games shows that gender differences persist in athlete representations. Even seemingly neutral words, like “dedicated” and “hard... Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Gender Equity Sport Participation
Knowledge Nuggets Para sport pathways Researchers at Western University are partnering with the Commonwealth Games Federation to identify the factors that drive inclusion in Para sport and to develop a high performance pathway for Para athletes in the Commonwealth region of the Caribbean and the... Disability High Performance Para Sport
Knowledge Nuggets Protection and retention of officials Community organizations across the country are experiencing a shortage of sports officials. Soccer referees have been in short supply during the pandemic, a problem worsened due to bad sideline behaviour of parents, players and coaches. The Teal Shirt Campaign allows... Professional Development Safe Sport Sport Participation
Knowledge Nuggets Terry Fox Today we are celebrating Terry Fox Day. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist. After losing his right leg to osteosarcoma, he was inspired to start running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Fox’s journey... Disability Health and Lifestyle Physical Health
