Knowledge Nuggets

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.

This winter, many Canadians will head outdoors to participate in winter activities such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Unfortunately, approximately 35% of drownings in Canada occur between October and April, when most people have no intention of going into the water. To stay safe around ice this winter, know the thickness and quality...

As gyms and sport facilities resume their operations, Canadians are wondering about the impact of masks on their performance. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan found that wearing a mask does not affect performance and has minimal effect on blood and muscle oxygenation.