Knowledge Nuggets

Deselection, or being “cut” from a team, can be tough for young competitive athletes. Parents can help their child cope with being cut from a team by being positive and using the “console first, talk later” rule. Allow your child time to process their emotions for 24 to 48 hours before talking to them about...

An alarming number of elite athletes rely on pain relief medication to compete through injuries or enhance performance. Despite some caution about side effects, self-administration is common and can be influenced by coaches and medical staff.

Socioeconomic status can greatly influence sport participation. For example, a study of more than 1000 youth showed that kids from less affluent families tried fewer sports, had lower rates of overall sports participation, and were less physically active. Reducing common barriers, such as providing affordable sport programs and transportation options, may help to make sport...

After childbirth, elite women athletes experience many challenges returning to sport, from the uncertainty of training their “new” post-partum bodies to breastfeeding while training and finding care for their babies. In this study, elite athletes offer recommendations for establishing maternity policies and developing postpartum return-to-sport guidelines to support the next generation of elite athlete mothers.

This Pride Month is the perfect time to focus on creating more inclusive spaces. A recent study found that campus rec staff who completed LGBTQ+ diversity training showed significantly improved attitudes, proving that even small interventions can spark meaningful change.

Youth with disabilities experience several barriers to sport participation. In a recent review of the academic research, researchers highlighted the importance of “finding the right balance” in terms of the level of challenge and supports provided. They also identified social connections, social support, and an appropriate physical environment as essential factors in finding the right...

What’s stopping people with physical disabilities from staying active after rehab? This study dives into the gaps in community sport programs and reveals surprising opportunities for growth. Discover how better communication and stronger partnerships could change the game.

Women bring vital skills to coaching but are often underrepresented in disability sport. Attracting qualified women coaches in disability sport enhances inclusivity and athlete success. Flexible coach training opportunities, mentorship programs, and communities of practice for women are all ways to increase the number of women in coaching roles.

Skateparks can be great spaces for disabled skateboarders and wheelchair motorcross riders, helping to improve physical and mental health, build self-confidence and independence, and make new social connections. According to a recent study, ensuring that pathways to and from the skatepark and nearby amenities are accessible are important ways to make skateparks accessible for riders...

Para athletes face unique dietary challenges, yet little is known about their nutrition habits and needs. This study found they have lower nutrition knowledge than their non-disabled peers and rarely consult dietitians, highlighting a clear need for tailored nutrition education and support in Para sport.