In Search of Inspiration: Re-thinking the Potential for Demonstration Effects

Major sport events in Canada and around the world have been cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. For sport administrators, researchers and policymakers, this pause represents a unique opportunity to reflect on the desired impacts and legacies of future sport events. Event bids are often full of claims about the positive impacts…

The Digital Gamification of Youth Sport Engagement

Gamification is the use of game techniques, such as the allocation of points and rewards, to provide incentive and fuel the competitive spirit in aspects of life outside of sport (Bunchball, 2020). Examples are abundant, and include Points Days at Shoppers Drug Mart, using an Aeroplan credit card to earn travel miles, or opening a…

Football Canada and Concussions

Coaches and officials play an important role in Football Canada’s concussion prevention and management strategy. “Athletes need to know how to perform the skills properly, which means we have to give our coaches the tools to teach those skills and our officials the tools to deal with it effectively in competition.” Learn more in the…

“We Are Headstrong”

Two years ago, SIRC launched the “We Are Headstrong” campaign, supporting a nation-wide discussion about concussion management and prevention. For Throwback Thursday, we reflect back on the importance of a harmonized approach, leveraging the data, and continued learning to changing the sport concussion landscape in Canada.

Football Makes Bold Pivot

Football in Canada is enjoying a resurgence at a time when public angst over concussions in sport has never been greater. While most sports grapple with ever-more-worrisome trends – declining participation and increasing concerns over athlete safety – football is flourishing, especially at the youngest age groups. There’s no razzle dazzle here. The people behind…

MLSE’s MISSION Model

MLSE LaunchPad’s MISSION Measurement Model builds on three years of refining the organization’s research and evaluation activities to increase youth engagement. Emerging best practices include keeping it short, only asking question that will inform decision-making, using “I” statements, and digitizing the process.

Nutrition for Concussion Prevention

Discussion about concussion prevention and management typically focuses on changes to policies and practices, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and strict return to play protocols. But what about nutrition? Check out the two-part series on the role of nutrition in concussion protection and recovery in the SIRCuit.

March Concussion Newsletter

SIRC’s Concussion Newsletter offers up-to-date sport concussion resources for athletes, parent, coaches, and sport organizations. In the March edition, learn about the progression of concussion awareness and education in Canada, discover new resources, and read about the success of Western University’s concussion protocol.

Engaging Youth in Evaluation Processes

Picture this: it’s the first session of a popular youth sport program at a busy community facility. Dozens of youth are greeting each other, checking out the space, and mingling with coaches on the bleachers. The excitement is palpable as youth move onto the court. Soon the space is filled with the satisfying sounds of…

Spring 2020 SIRCuit

Check out the Spring SIRCuit! This collection of articles, provides timely and relevant research and insights relating to leadership, athlete development, and high performance sport: The Role of Nutrition in Sub-Concussion Injury Protection Engaging Youth in Evaluation Processes An Official’s Journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Supporting the Psychological Wellbeing of Athletes: What can Coaches…