Champion Article – Freestyle Canada
The five disciplines of Freestyle Skiing – Aerials, Moguls, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air – excite spectators with their gravity-defying skills, but put athletes in situations with high-risk for concussion. In this environment, education and awareness around concussion prevention and management is critical. Learn more about how Freestyle Skiing Canada empowered their athletes through “a…
Canoe Kayak Concussion Policy Alignment
Alignment among grassroots clubs across Canada can be challenging. Canoe Kayak Canada, with the help of SIRC’s harmonized #HeadstrongCanada concussion resources and templates, is aligning to protect their athletes from concussions. Having access to consistent policies is helping to protect athletes at the club, provincial and national level. Learn about policy alignment around concussion risks…
Covered Courts Program
Tennis Canada’s Covered Courts Program is driven by insights from a national survey. Findings revealed 90% of tennis players, and 51% of all Canadians (including those that haven’t picked up a racquet in over 12 months) would play more if there was a covered court nearby. Further, 90% of Canadians agreed that municipalities should work…
Tennis Canada’s Covered Courts Program – Driven By Data
Tennis Canada’s mission is to lead the growth of the sport in the country. That mission can only be accomplished with more individuals playing more tennis more frequently. However, to increase participation rates, one important barrier needs to be addressed – winter. Enter Tennis Canada’s Covered Courts Program. This article discusses how Tennis Canada leveraged…
Physical literacy and life-long participation
The development of physical literacy is essential to life-long participation in sport and physical activity. Learn how teachers and parents (and program leaders, coaches, and others!) can be allies in ensuring students develop the “motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life” in the…
Concussion Newsletter – October 2019
Putting athlete safety first, Skate Canada has introduced a new rule that allows referees to stop competition if they suspect an athlete has sustained a head injury, without any score deductions. A three minute pause allows athletes to be assessed by a qualified individual, reducing the risk of continuing competition with an injury. Learn more…
Changing the Sport Culture by Changing the Rules
High-level athletes compete to win. Sometimes, however, they make rash decisions in the heat of the moment that can have serious, long-term consequences. Take figure skating, for example. There have been instances in the past where athletes and coaches were suspected of downplaying concerns about head injury because interrupting a skater’s program would have resulted…
Integration in Para Sport
Integration of para sport with able-bodied sport is often assumed to be the preferred participation model. But what do para athletes think? Today’s blog disrupts this assumption, calling for more research into the merits and pitfalls of integrated vs. “distinct and separate” sport from the perspective of the athletes.
Rowan’s Law Day 2019
Today is “Rowan’s Law Day” – commemorated annually on the last Wednesday of September to raise awareness about concussion prevention and management. Learn more about Rowan Stringer and SIRC’s Four Rs of concussion management, then use #RowansLawDay and #HeadstrongCanada online to share how you, your team, or your organization is taking action.
Demystifying Tryouts
Are you a coach that will be holding tryouts this fall? Young athletes and their parents may be unfamiliar with the tryout process. By giving specific instructions, referring to all players by name, and using encouraging language, you can ensure all players feel welcome and able to perform to their best ability. For more tips…