Knowledge Nuggets

One in five individuals experience public speaking anxiety. In the current context of Zoom calls and online webinars, this can be particularly challenging. To create safe, supportive and productive sessions, consider providing an agenda and using linking statements and signposts to help anxious participants feel more comfortable.

At MLSE LaunchPad, evaluation activities have gone courtside! Coaches and program leaders distribute tablets for survey completion and conduct mini interviews on the sidelines or in the bleachers, ensuring youth feel they’re still part of the action and not missing out on program time.

Wondering whether to use a positive or negative approach to your half-time speech to your athletes? Analysis of hundreds of high school and college games suggests in the short term, negative emotion (e.g. anger, disappointment) might actually push athletes to greater effort…to a certain point. Extremely negative expressions of emotion impeded the player’ performance.

Being the most skilled athlete or possessing the most experience in a group does not make us good at leadership – we need to learn it. In the latest SIRCuit, Cari Din, leadership learning facilitator and teaching faculty member at the University of Calgary, shares her top four leadership learning strategies.

November 11th is Remembrance Day. Today, and every day, we remember Canada’s veterans, and their service and sacrifice for our country. Sport and physical activity programs can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of veterans experiencing physical disability or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Beyond providing enjoyable experiences, research finds participation can support personal growth...

Sport and physical activity programming that incorporates trauma-sensitive design harnesses social and environmental protective factors that can contribute to children’s resilience. Specific strategies include creating a safe environment, nurturing positive adult relationships, building body awareness and physical competence, and delivering active, engaging experiences.

Concussions may be related to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging reveals that concussions can produce long-lasting structural and functional changes the brain in older individuals.

A new study by public health researchers finds the number of calories kids consume from post-game snacks far exceeds the number of calories they actually burn playing in the game. The researchers found the average energy expenditure for children observed was 170 calories per game, while the average caloric intake from post-game snacks was 213...

Athletes often tie their self worth to their accomplishments, improvements, and outcomes in sport. Transitioning out of sport, due to retirement or injury, can compromise their sense of self worth. Feelings of having nothing to offer, being inadequate, and feeling unsure of their value in life can negatively affect the individual’s mental health.

“Know before you go” is a mantra driving organizations’ return to play communication, ensuring participants know what to expect, are familiar with protocols, and feel confident that health and safety is the #1 priority. Learn about this and other key factors in successful return to play plans.