Data for change: Embracing demographics to advance equity in sport

Highlights The “who” is as important as the “what” when sport organizations are planning for data, analytics and evidence-based change related to equity, diversity and inclusion. When it comes to race and intersectionality, the power of data practices is its ability to help an organization better understand the realities and experiences of those too often…

Shaping inclusive sport policy and programs

Highlights Over the past few years, the racism and discrimination brought to light throughout society and within the sport sector have forced a necessary reflection on policies and practices.  There’s a renewed urgency for sport stakeholders to adopt new policies and programs to bring about cultural change that can ensure the future of sport includes…

Gold medal governance: Embracing a steward-leader board

This is the fourth blog post in a series designed to increase sport organizations’ capacity to govern well in an increasingly complex world. Check out the previous posts about the role of the board, strategic foresight and the keys to gold medal governance. — In the first blog that I wrote for the Gold Medal…

Active economy

A region’s active economy includes all organizations and individuals who directly or indirectly contribute to the development and delivery of sport and active recreation experiences. Strategies that maximize the impact of an active economy can drive economic growth, employment and the development of skills essential to innovation and economic diversification.

Shared athlete leadership

Whether recognized formally or informally, athletes should occupy leadership roles to support a team’s functioning. Like some NHL teams, improving the number and effectiveness of athlete leaders can enhance team motivation, communication, cohesion and performance. Shared leadership among teammates can be an effective way to increase team dynamics and success.

Recommendations for evaluation

Through evaluation, sport organizations can gain insights and solicit feedback about their programs. Evaluation can also inform decision-making, guide program improvements and build stakeholders’ value and advocacy for programming. In the SIRC blog, discover three recommendations for sport organizations to enhance evaluation: stakeholder engagement, evaluative thinking and sharing data through storytelling.

Women in sport leadership

What “works” for advancing women into sport leadership positions? E-Alliance is conducting new research to answer this exact question. E-Alliance is exploring how allyship, mentorship and sponsorship, more “formal” and gender equitable hiring processes, and implementing quotas for women as leaders can help to increase women’s leadership in sport.

The mental health strategy for high performance sport in Canada: What national sport organization leaders and staff should know

Highlights The Mental Health Strategy for High Performance Sport in Canada aims to improve the mental health outcomes for all Canadian high performance athletes, coaches, and staff. The strategy was developed by Canadian experts in mental health and sport based on scientific evidence, applied experience, and international best practices. The newly formed strategy focuses on…

A new environmental normal in sport

Did you know that travel to-and-from practices and competitions accounts for more than 80% of emissions in sport? The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for the sport sector to work towards a new ‘environmental normal’ that limits its climate impact. Check out the Sports for Climate Action Framework to learn more about how your sport…

Building capacity for evaluation

While often overlooked, students and volunteers can be great human resources for conducting evaluations in sport. To harness these resources, partnerships between sport organizations and researchers in university-based settings are a good place to start. Researchers can collaborate with sport organizations to build capacity in students and volunteers, while leveraging the diverse experiences and knowledge…