Innovative Strategies Making Concussion Safety the New Normal

When Canada works in harmony towards the same goal, much can happen in a short time. In March 2018, SIRC launched the “We Are Headstrong” campaign. Since that time we’ve seen signs of progress in the attitudes of Canadians toward concussions, and we’ve witnessed significant system changes too. At the 2020 Canadian Sport for Life…

Canadian Paralympic Committee Research

“Within Swimming Canada’s Paralympic Program, we take a two-pronged approach to research, tackling the challenges that can help our swimmers and coaches in Tokyo while at the same time looking for answers to enhance and strengthen our system for the long term.” – Wayne Lomas, Swimming Canada. Learn how the Canadian Paralympic Committee is working…

She Belongs

Creating a positive social environment that intentionally fosters a sense of belonging is integral to the retention of girls in sport and physical activity. Canadian Women & Sport’s new She Belongs resource offers practical recommendations for coaches and program leaders focused on building a positive culture, creating an inclusive and safe environment, connecting girls with…

Para Sport Jumpstart Fund

The Para Sport Jumpstart Fund is designed to support introductory and early competition Para Sport experiences for children and youth with disabilities. Through this partnership between the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, organizations can access funding for registration, transportation and equipment costs. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2020.

Bringing Research to Life: Lessons from the Canadian Paralympic Committee

Data driven. Evidence informed. Research to practice. No matter how you say it, a lot of us in the sport system are trying to figure out how to ensure the decisions we make are consistently based on the best possible information. But what does that mean? How do we make the best choices when we…

Concussion Awareness in Community Sport

Alignment among grassroots clubs across Canada can be challenging. The Ottawa Sport Council and Sport Manitoba are both addressing concussion awareness at the community sport level. For these mostly volunteer-run organizations, having access to evidence-informed concussion resources is helping to inform coaches and protect athletes.

CPRA Concussion Webinar

In partnership with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, SIRC will be delivering a free webinar on February 25, 2020 at 12:00PM ET. Click here to register for Concussion Management: Best practices and lessons from the Canadian sport and recreation system.

How data informs Volleyball Canada’s concussion strategy

It might be surprising to hear concussions are a serious risk in the sport of volleyball. But data collection from Volleyball Canada—dating back to 2016—has revealed exactly that. “Our research has shown that about 1 in 10 youth athletes in Canada will sustain a concussion while playing club volleyball each year.” said Kerry MacDonald, Director,…

Champion Article – Volleyball

Policy change is one way Volleyball Canada is striving to improve athlete safety on the court. Changes include warm-up drill practices discouraging athletes from going under the net to retrieve the ball – an area with a high risk for concussions. Learn more in the SIRC Blog.

Concussion Prevention Through Innovation

It’s a potent mix: dangerous flips and twists performed by young, boundary-pushing athletes who revel in the sport’s free-spirited culture. More than most sports, concussions are a day-to-day, moment-to-moment risk for the freestyle skiing community. The five demanding disciplines – Aerials, Moguls, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air – put athletes in dangerous situations, hurtling down…