Fostering strong coach-athlete relationships in university sports

University sports’ coach-athlete relationships are complex, with short seasons intensifying the challenge. Based on research findings, coaches should prioritize closeness, encourage trust through vulnerability, clarify commitment expectations, enhance communication, and ensure alignment with their coaching philosophy. Addressing the complexity and power dynamics can help create inclusivity and foster effective and stronger bonds.

Building capacity for female leaders

Women are often underrepresented in leadership roles in sports. As such, there is a need to build organizational capacity for women leaders. Researchers suggest that some best practices for organizations include creating family-friendly activities that encourage women to become more involved in an organization and partnering with external organizations to bring new women and girls…

Spreading wellbeing among team members

Understanding the dynamics between athletes, coaches, and support personnel is important. This study was among the first to explore these relationships and how they impact wellbeing. Shared values and the ability to cope with challenges were factors that we found to boost wellbeing. The study also reveals how wellbeing can spread among team members through…

Protecting Athletes from Burnout

Athletes who experience strong support and a sense of belonging within their team are less likely to burnout. Coaches should encourage this sense of belonging to enrich athletes’ experiences and prevent dropout. However, too many team rules can burden athletes, impede support, and exacerbate burnout. Striking the right balance between team unity and support is…

Advancing disability inclusion in Canada: Introducing the first National Coaching for Para Sport Summit

In May 2023, the National Coaching for Para Sport Summit (NCPS) took place at the Steadward Centre. A collaborative effort between uOttawa, the University of Alberta, the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), the summit acknowledged the importance of disability inclusion in coach education and, more importantly, delved into the…

Managing Healthy Expectations for Youth Athletes

A study delving into the impact of expectations on the well-being of young students in talent schools for sports found that while coach and parental expectations provided motivation, students also faced self-doubt and stress. Coaches played a crucial role in progress, yet excessive dependency on their approval could pose problems. Parental support was appreciated, but…

Athlete-Centered Coaching

Athlete-centered coaching focuses on facilitation and teaching by focusing on the athlete’s humanistic needs. According to research, by using this approach, athletes are empowered through 1) encouragement to discover their full potential; 2) increased independence, self reliance, and control; and 3) prioritization of personal goals over winning, amongst many other things. Coaches should aim to…

Self-talk Enhances Endurance Performance

When athletes are mentally tired, it can negatively impact their performance. In a study, mentally fatigued athletes performed worse in endurance tests. However, when they used motivational self-talk during these tests, their performance improved. This means positive self-talk can actually overcome the negative effects of mental fatigue and boost performance.

The 3+1Cs Model

We know the relationship between coaches and athletes is vital in sport as athletes depend on their coaches for guidance and support. One method to cultivate successful relationships is to use The 3+1Cs model. Research shows athletes with coach relationships with high levels of closeness, commitment, complementarity, and co-orientation achieve better performance and overall outcomes.

Successfully Onboarding New Athletes

Joining new groups whether it be in school, work, or sport can cause individuals to feel uncreative or nervous. These feelings can arise in athletes when switching to new sports or just to new teams. In this SIRC blog we discuss the importance of athlete onboarding and provide effective strategies for bringing athletes into your…