Knowledge Nuggets

Despite high public angst about concussions in sport, participation in football is on the rise. Football Canada reported a 44% increase in the participation of boys and girls up to the U18 level between 2014-2018. In the SIRC blog, learn how Football Canada is using research and innovative technology to keep the sport safe through...

Athletes can be victimized by match fixers who exploit their vulnerabilities and then compel them to go along with a fix for fear of being exposed for doing something wrong. Seemingly innocuous favours, such as an upgraded phone, quick access to medical services, or financial assistance, can later be used as leverage. In such situations,...

New research is examining how creativity can influence decision-making in sport. Analysis of professional and semi-professional soccer players revealed higher-creative players made quicker tactical decisions on the field, and displayed an enhanced focus that prevented them from missing key information during the game.

The Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport requires athletes returning to sport after a concussion to be assessed by a medical doctor, nurse practitioner or nurse. However, timely appointments can be hard to come by. New research from Université Laval is exploring a multidisciplinary approach to concussion management that would engage team therapists in return...

Group norms represent a set of assumptions held by members of a group concerning acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of a group and insight into what members deem important. While some norms can be positive (e.g. expectations to show up on time and work hard), others can be negative...

The 2020 Summer SIRCuit in now available! Browse our newest collection of articles, offering timely and relevant research and insights relating to leadership, athlete development, and high performance sport.

High-top basketball shoes are often marketed for their ability to minimize the risk of ankle injuries, however this claim is not supported by the evidence. Instead, increased risk has been linked to prior ankle injuries. Experts recommend wearing whatever feels the most comfortable and supportive.

“Skills learned slowly are forgotten slowly” is an aphorism that should be used to coaches to inform practice structure. While a blocked practice structure may improve short-term practice performance, a randomized practice structure poses a greater challenge to learners resulting in enhanced motor learning and thus better long-term performance.

Did you know eating more fish could help protect you from brain injury? The SIRCuit explores the promise of omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, vitamin D, curcumin, high quality fats and carbohydrates, and good hydration in protecting athletes from sub-concussive injury.

Coaches and officials play an important role in Football Canada’s concussion prevention and management strategy. “Athletes need to know how to perform the skills properly, which means we have to give our coaches the tools to teach those skills and our officials the tools to deal with it effectively in competition.” Learn more in the...