Knowledge Nuggets

Giving athletes control over certain practice elements is one way that coaches can increase motor learning, even when that choice is unrelated to a motor task. During a retention test, research participants given a choice of golf ball colour during putting practice outperformed participants not given a choice of colour.

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, national initiative to build awareness, acceptance and action relating to mental health. Small actions can help support mental health and strengthen our communities during this difficult time – from recognizing the signs of stress, to taking care of yourself, to being there for a loved one. For additional support,...

The RBC Training Ground and Paralympic Search programs are designed to build the capacity of the Canadian sport system. This includes addressing gaps and roadblocks on athlete development pathways by creating new on-ramps for those not already engaged, and supporting transfer opportunities for existing exceptional athletes. It also involves building the skills of sport organizations...

In American football, measurements revealed youth and college-level athletes experienced anywhere from 100-1,000 head impacts during the season. That trauma can add up, risking long-term impacts on brain health, including cognitive, emotional and behaviour difficulties and dysfunction. Consider the role of nutrition in protecting against repetitive sub-concussive injury.

Nurturing a community of practice or other social learning space requires participants to interact in a non-judgmental, ego-free environment. Support this type of positive environment by encouraging one-on-one or small group interactions; seeking opportunities to meet face-to-face (e.g., in conjunction with competitions or AGMs, when permitted by public health authorities); and taking advantage of breakout...

“Youth are notoriously difficult to engage in pre- and post-program evaluation. Collecting survey responses can be like catching fish with your hands.” In the SIRCuit, MLSE LaunchPad’s Marika Warner and Bryan Heal share the organization’s innovative approach to engaging youth in program evaluation.

Tri-level mentoring is a model in which coaches mentor youth leaders who then mentor their peers or younger youth. In this way, the benefits of effective mentorship cascade to influence positive developmental outcomes for all youth involved in programming. Learn more about tri-level mentoring and effective strategies to support youth leadership development in the SIRCuit.

From adapted equipment and modified play, to the appointment of a Chief Medical Officer, sport organizations are leveraging innovation and expertise to inform the development and implementation of their Return to Play plans. Learn more in the SIRC blog.

For youth, healthy sleep habits can improve cognitive functioning and mood, help maintain a healthy body weight, and give youth the energy needed to be active during the day. However, frequent social media use and the consumption of certain types of online content can have a negative impact on their sleep behaviours. To improve quality...

In sport, transformational leadership involves empowering athletes and providing them with the values, skills, and mentorship to achieve their full potential, both on and off the field. Coaches with greater transformational leadership have been found to produce athletes that are more independent, and less reliant on their coaching.