Leveraging Consistent, Reliable Information for Culture Change

two hockey players on the ice

The signs are out there. The culture is shifting. Approximately twenty years after introducing its first concussion prevention and awareness program, Hockey Canada says it’s a very different sport landscape now. Players, parents and coaches are becoming far more knowledgeable about concussions – from prevention through to recovery. “I’ve been at this since the late…

Hockey Canada – Concussion Toolbox

Approximately twenty years after introducing its first concussion prevention and awareness program, Hockey Canada says it’s a very different sport landscape now. Changing norms and attitudes have helped increase appreciation for the risks and consequences of concussion, creating an environment that’s far more accepting of strong protocols and policies. Read more in this week’s SIRC…

Deselection in Sport

“Deselection,” or being cut from a team, can have negative emotional, social and physical consequences for athletes. These include loss of friends and social circles, reduced self-esteem, decreased physical activity, and impacts on long-term engagement in sport. Learn how coaches can improve the experience for athletes, and consider alternative participation models, in the SIRCuit.

Champion Article – CPC

In the lastest blog in our #HeadstrongCanada series, SIRC talks to Dr. Andy Marshall, Chief Medical Officer of the Canadian Parapan Am and Paralympic Team, about the importance of clear protocols and proactive concussion prevention and management strategies. Click here to read today’s blog and access the others in the series.

Concussion Newsletter – July 2019

SIRC’s monthly concussion newsletter is the go-to source for best practices from Canadian and international sport organizations, practical tools, and recommended resources from Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The July edition highlights Artistic Swimming Canada’s data-driven approach to concussion management and prevention, B.C.’s Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), and SIRC’s new video…

Canadian Disability Participation Project Blog

While accessible sport activities, venues, and services are necessary for people of all abilities to participate in sport, accessibility does not guarantee positive sport experiences. A positive experience is about more than access: it’s about meaningful activities that provide participants with feelings of belonging, choice, challenge and success. For this reason, researchers from the Canadian…

Concussion Blog – Artistic Swimming

Most Canadians would not consider artistic swimming a contact sport, but athletes and coaches know the risks. The physical demands, technical components and water environment of the sport require unique concussion policies and practices, especially related to athletes’ “Return to Sport.” Learn more in today’s SIRC blog.

2019 Concussion Prevention Workshop

Today, members of the Canadian sport sector are rolling up their sleeves to examine innovative ways to prevent concussions in sport at the Concussion Prevention Workshop hosted by SIRC, with support from Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Discussion will focus on rules and policies, training practices, and behaviours and sport culture…

Small-sided Games and Goalies

Under the age of 12, Soccer Canada’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model is built around small-sided games. A large body of research has demonstrated the benefits of this approach for players’ skills and confidence. However, little was known about the affects for goalies – until now. A new study has shown that goalies have more…

First Impressions for Coaches

Facing the parents/guardians of youth athletes for the first time at the beginning of the season can be a daunting task for coaches. New research from Nipissing University recommends that coaches focus on demonstrating their competence during early interactions, and focus on warmth-related characteristics as the season progresses.

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