How coaches can increase athlete enjoyment and commitment
How a coach interacts with athletes can be significant predictor of athletes’ enjoyment and intentions to stay in sport. A study of 202 elite-level artistic swimmers from 22 countries showed that athletes under the guidance of democratic-style coaches reported elevated levels of athletic enjoyment and expressed greater intent to pursue their athletic careers. This finding…
Cultural competence in sport research
If you’ve heard the expression, “It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it,” then you know that emotional expression plays an important role in how others perceive what you say and do. Research shows that coaches’ emotional expressions influence athletes’ experiences in different ways depending on how emotions are socially and culturally…
SCRI Plenary: Towards the Development of a Coach Mentorship Training Program in Parasport
Reimagining High School Sport Coaching through a Social Justice Lens
Research Findings: Supporting Safe Environments for Youth in Sports
Concussion guide for coaches & trainers
Mental health of high-performance coach and staff
A growing awareness of mental health needs among elite athletes has emerged, but the mental well-being of coaches and high-performance support staff (HPSS) in elite sports is less understood. Heightened levels of psychological distress, risky alcohol consumption, and sleep disturbances were found among coaches and HPSS, highlighting the need to extend mental health support to…
Rethinking growth in youth sport
In the world of youth sports, we often hear how playing teaches important life skills. But focusing solely on practical outcomes overlooks the deeper, personal growth that happens. Looking at sports through a different lens, one that values individual growth and the journey of ‘becoming’, can uncover new ways young athletes learn and grow, offering…
Effective mentoring in sports
The relationship between mentors and mentees stands out as a pivotal factor in effective mentoring. This was highlighted in a study featuring 239 mentor head coaches and 239 mentee assistant coaches, where researchers discovered a significant link between the quality of mentorship and the improvement of mentees’ leadership skills. Such finding underscores the imperative of…
Coach education through Indigenous perspectives
Prioritizing Indigenous voices is key for sports organizations designing coach education. Collaborative design can enhance cultural pride and support coach development by incorporating Indigenous culture and history. Using traditional methods like storytelling and mentoring, collaborative design aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, promoting Indigenous-led education and decolonizing coaching practices.