“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.

Experts in the House – Q&A with Warren Weeks on Social Media

On May 13, SIRC hosted a webinar – Stop Pushing and Start Engaging! – led by social media expert Warren Weeks, designed to help participants rethink their social media engagement strategies. With audiences spending more time online due to the pandemic, sport and physical activity organizations have an opportunity to build their audience and engage…

WFH Communication

Under normal circumstances, the commonly cited rule of thumb for remote teams/workers is that the leader may need to communicate, in an intentional way, twice as much as they would were the team situated together in an office space. But these are not normal circumstances. Communication practices with staff should consider current working from home…

Performance and Luck

Wondering about the impact of luck on performance assessments? Research discovered European football (soccer) league players who scored goals off the post were given more playing time and received higher ratings from journalists and fans, despite the role of chance (i.e. luck) in their goals. Given the existence of this bias in the highly scrutinized arena…

Sport for Climate Action

As part of their commitment to the international Sport for Climate Action Framework, the Canada Games Council will advance their sustainability practices across the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the Canada Games – from merchandising to food services to capital construction. They’ll also support Host Societies and partners in their efforts to do the…

Description of the first years of experiences of novice female coaches

Project Summary The objective of this study is to better understand the experiences of novice female coaches during their first two years of coaching. Conclusions of previous studies have shown an under-representation as well as a decreasing number of female coaches in the last 30 years. Not only are there less female coaches, those who…

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…

Principles of Crisis Communication

Looking to refine your communication strategy in the current circumstances? Keep in mind four principles for crisis communication: 1. Empathize; 2. Focus on action; 3, Keep it simple; and 4. The medium is the message. Learn more in the SIRC blog.

COVID Communication Fatigue: Before you add another online meeting, stop and reconsider

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, complaints of meeting fatigue are on the rise.  Have you found your day filled with back-to-back Zoom calls, where you stare blankly at the poorly lit face of a colleague on the computer screen, as s/he provides a daily update, or report? “I hop from Zoom call to Zoom call…

Maintaining Fan Support

Research with a professional Australian Football team’s season ticket holders revealed that good service quality, communication and administration positively influenced renewal and referral intentions, and provided a buffer against unpredictable on-field performance. This could help inform strategies used by sport organizations as they seek to maintain strong relationships with fans through COVID-19 restrictions and return-to-play…