Knowledge Nuggets

Unexpected stressors can negatively affect athletes’ feelings of stress, ability to cope with stress, and performance during competition. But preparing athletes for the possibility that the competition won’t go exactly as planned can help. Acknowledging that the competition might not go the way an athlete had hoped or expected is the first step towards coping...

Adult-oriented coaching approaches respect Masters athletes’ matured self-concept and how it influences their approach to learning. Research shows effective coaches consider the individuality of athletes, share their own knowledge and experience, and respect athlete preferences for effort, accountability and feedback.

A role outlines the specific behaviours that are expected of an individual to achieve established team goals. On a team, each role should interact seamlessly to help the team reach its untapped potential. Members will perform better individually when they understand their role, and role clarity sets the stage for team success.

Sport organizations play an important role in engaging and empowering Black girls and women in sport. By building stronger relationships with communities and recognizing and addressing existing barriers, such as language, cost and social or cultural norms, organizations can support Black women and girls as coaches and athletes.

Baseline testing can help to identify when an athlete is ready to return to play following a concussion. However, it’s important that healthcare providers to be aware of the symptoms and signs that can exist in a Para athlete’s non-concussed state. For example, athletes with cognitive impairment may have difficulties with memory and concentration, and...

As sport leaders and organizations, we’re often concerned with participant retention. We rarely consider how dropout may play an important role in sport development pathways, or potential pathways for sport re-engagement later in life. The inclusion of sport dropout as a potential pathway in long-term sport participation models could push for a dialogue on how...

A significant culture change in sport is needed to address athlete maltreatment, experts say. One way to bring about change is to amplify athletes’ voices. Including athletes in decision-making can help address the power imbalances that often underpin maltreatment in sports.

When USA Gymnastics legend Simone Biles put her mental health ahead of the competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, she elevated discussions around mental health to historic levels. For Canadian athletes and team officials, working to normalize the conversation around mental health also took centre stage. Read more about Team Canada’s approach to mental health...

The Canadian Healthy School Standards offers tips and resources to create system-level changes for students, as well as the entire school community. By advocating for policies and investments that address health and well-being for students, staff and leaders, schools can chart their journeys toward improved health.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making sure that the sport sector thrives and is united in offering positive sport experiences for all Canadians. For sport to do good, it must be good. For people to realize the benefits, they have to have an opportunity to play. I think that’s what it’s all...