Knowledge Nuggets

Trying a new sport often means learning a new language of technical and tactical terms. Running is no different. If you’re new to running and wondering about “interval workouts,” “tempo runs” and “fartlek runs,” this article from Runners World will ensure you’re in the know.

SIRC’s monthly concussion newsletter is the go-to source for best practices from Canadian and international sport organizations, practical tools, and recommended resources from Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The July edition highlights Artistic Swimming Canada’s data-driven approach to concussion management and prevention, B.C.’s Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), and SIRC’s new video...

Delegations from 41 countries will gather in one week for the opening ceremonies of the Pan American Games. The Games, running from July 26 to August 11, will welcome 6,900 athletes competing in 69 disciplines across 39 sports. Watch SIRC’s daily News Hub and social media platforms and daily News Hub for Games-related content! Visit...

While accessible sport activities, venues, and services are necessary for people of all abilities to participate in sport, accessibility does not guarantee positive sport experiences. A positive experience is about more than access: it’s about meaningful activities that provide participants with feelings of belonging, choice, challenge and success. For this reason, researchers from the Canadian...

Perfectionism is related to numerous motivational, performance, and mental health-related outcomes in sport – both positive and negative. New research examined the influence of parents and coaches on the development of perfectionism among athletes aged 16-19 and discovered that while both coach pressure and parental pressure were positively correlated with perfectionism, only coach pressure predicted...

Unconscious biases are learned stereotypes that are automatic, unintentional, deeply engrained, and able to influence behavior. Within sport organizations, these biases can negatively impact diversity amongst staff and volunteers by undermining recruitment and retention strategies, and employee development. This infographic from Catalyst provides steps to combat unconscious bias as a leader in your organization.

Overuse injuries are common in volleyball. Research reported in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy discovered that women collegiate volleyball athletes performed twice as many overhead swings, serves, and hits during practice, compared to volumes during games (with both games and practices lasting approximately 2 hours). This has important implications for managing training, especially...

Research reported in the International Journal of Sport Coaching explored athletes’ perceptions of what coaches can do to build athlete confidence. Through surveys with collegiate student-athletes, five key categories were identified: creating a positive environment; responding to athletes productively; developing effective practices for training; developing interpersonal relationships with athletes; and coach possession of effective intrapersonal...

Most Canadians would not consider artistic swimming a contact sport, but athletes and coaches know the risks. The physical demands, technical components and water environment of the sport require unique concussion policies and practices, especially related to athletes’ “Return to Sport.” Learn more in today’s SIRC blog.

During Wimbledon, 53,000 tennis balls will be used. According to International Tennis Federation rules, every ball is hand-tested for its bounce, weight and compression, stored at 68°F, and replaced during a match after the first seven games, then every nine games. Used balls are sold, with proceeds going to the Wimbledon Foundation. Click here for...