Knowledge Nuggets

For ringette, putting a values lens on the issue of concussions made decision-making simpler – preventing concussions as much as possible and ensuring athletes recover properly are priorities. When pressure to return to play comes from athletes not wanting to miss out, or parents pushing to have their child back on the ice, clear protocols...

Facing elimination, do teams elevate their performance or stumble under the pressure? A study of NBA games from 33 seasons revealed that most teams “choked”. Findings suggest coaches should refrain from deliberate building of high-pressure environments with hopes of achieving performance enhancement effect among their teams.

In today’s video, Olympic medallist Emily Overholt, who recently received the Harry Jerome Award as Sport BC Comeback Athlete of the Year, shared the incredible story of her battle with depression over the past few years.

Does the colour of your uniform bias your chances of winning? In judo, a white judogi has been commonly considered a disadvantage because it was thought to be more visible, allowing athletes in blue to better evaluate and anticipate the movement of their (white) opponent. However, research now suggests that a winning bias is attributed...

SIRC’s new Sport Insight series examines how rule changes, technology and advances in training and technique are evolving the sport landscape. In the first piece from the series, learn more about curling’s Free Guard Zone rule.

Athletes learn to hide effort and pain in the pursuit of performances that are strong, flawless, and seemingly effortless. But off the field of play, we need to create a culture where athletes struggling with injury, whether physical or mental, can ask for help. This SIRC blog provides insights and tips for athletes, support team...

In these days of doping scandals, athletes can find themselves wondering about the other athletes lining up beside them. Canadian weightlifter Christine Girard, awarded medals from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games in December 2018, advises athletes to stay true to their values, work hard, and trust in the system. Learn more about her journey...

What started as a practice drill between two brothers, grew into the rule that transformed the sport of curling. Learn more about the Free Guard Zone rule in today’s SIRC Blog.

This week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear a scheduled five-day appeal in the case of two-time Olympic 800m champion Castor Semenya. Semenya is appealing a ruling by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) that will impose limits on testosterone levels for female athletes with differences of sexual development. The case...

While social media can have many positive uses for athletes, from interacting with fans to providing value for sponsors, engagement can also pose risks to performance. In today’s blog, Olympic curler Lisa Weagle provides insight into the steps she and her teammates used leading up to Pyeongchang to control the impact of social media on...