Knowledge Nuggets

Having a shared understanding of terms like systemic racism, unconscious bias and microaggressions is important for sport organizations working to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces. Respect Group offers definitions and resources to help sport organizations promote diversity and inclusion, while making sure everyone is on the same page.

Concussion reporting is a necessary component of concussion care and safety, and according to new research, it’s something to be celebrated. Athletes are more likely to report a concussion when coaches encourage and celebrate concussion reporting. Coaches that facilitate regular, open conversations about concussions help athletes feel supported and comfortable when reporting an injury.

SIRC’s Researcher/Practitioner Match Grants are designed to support the implementation of research into practice through collaborations between sport organizations and researchers. Last year, researchers from the University of Waterloo partnered with the Township of Woolwich to pilot an 8-week co-participation swim program for mothers and daughters. Read about their findings in the SIRC blog.

Up to 35% of elite mental athletes experience mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. To manage mental health conditions in sport, the International Olympic Committee recommends taking an individualized and interdisciplinary approach, optimizing the training and competition environment, and making mental health resources and supports both accessible and commonplace.

Competing in major events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games can have a significant impact on athletes’ mental health. Olympic and Paralympic athletes are particularly vulnerable in the post-Games period. Since both staff and resources are likely to be depleted after the Games, planning for specialized support can help athletes during this critical time.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games saw the introduction of several mixed-gender events, such as the triathlon relay and team judo. At Beijing 2022, 4 new events, in which women and men compete together, will be making their debut. These include mixed team snowboard cross, ski aerials, ski jumping, and short-track speed skating.

Climate change can have a profound impact on the conditions at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, impacting athletes’ safety and ability to perform. Modelling suggests that if global emissions remain on the trajectory of the last 2 decades, only 1 city will remain worldwide with the ability to reliably host the Games. A low...

Did you know that 12% of athletes competing in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games experienced an injury? While injury rates have remained similar across the last 3 Winter Olympics, there is considerable variation in incidence rates across sports. Understanding sport-specific variations in illness or injury can help with prevention and planning of healthcare during...

For athletes competing in Beijing, meeting nutrition goals in a different food environment might be a challenge. Planning for eating en route, considering food culture at the destination, and establishing team rules around food hygiene can help teams and athletes ensure good nutrition, manage jet lag, and reduce the risk of illness during travel.

After injury, athletes can experience a range of negative emotions and coping strategies (e.g., anxiety, worry, ruminating or dwelling, avoidance). Self-compassion can enable athletes to focus on healthier, more proactive ways of moving forward with recovery, and may even reduce injury occurrence by decreasing athletes’ physiological activation to stress and facilitating their ability to focus...