For or Against? The Pros and Cons of Early Talent Identification in Sport

Early Talent Identification (TID) describes the process of identifying, evaluating and selecting athletes for sport programs in early adolescence (ages 10-14). This practice has created a contentious issue in sport. On one hand, early selection may eliminate late bloomers from the system. On the other, resources in sport programs are finite, and can only be…

Trauma-sensitive play

Children acting out on the field or in the pool may lack the skills to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours; rather than the will to respond in prosocial ways. Trauma-sensitive play can help build children’s skills and resilience.

Teacher-coaches’ influence on the global development of student-athletes: An examination of perceived dual role benefits and challenges

Project summary Youth development research has examined the antecedents, processes, and outcomes that occur in sport contexts. One common finding that consistently emerges is that influential adults, such as teachers and coaches, play instrumental roles in facilitating the developmental process. Most of the past research on teachers and coaches has examined these two roles in…

Motor skill inequalities

Children of families with low socio-economic status face often barriers to developing the motor skills needed to enjoy and engage in physical activity and sport throughout life (e.g., limited access to sport equipment at home, reduced parental support, and fewer financial resources). To address motor skill inequalities, targeted interventions should consider developmentally appropriate activities to…

Screen-free family time

According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children and youth (5–17 years) should limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day and efforts should be made to interrupt extended periods of sitting. Check out this infographic for tips on creating a family media plan that includes screen-free family meals and the use “device baskets.”

Playing through injury

Athletes playing through injury and pain are often celebrated. However, these stories influence how youth (and their parents and coaches) define what it means to be a “real” athlete, increasing the risk of injury and short and long-term health impacts. Learn how coaches can challenge group norms that support playing through injury in the SIRC…

Grappling for answers: Exploring the process of life skills development in youth mixed martial arts athletes

Project summary Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that integrates striking and grappling techniques from a variety of other combat sports (i.e. martial arts, boxing, sumo, wresting, karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and Tae Kwon Do). MMA was legalized in Ontario in 2013. Immediately, reporters from mainstream and social media began to…

The effects of adolescent physical growth and maturation on selection into sport and the long-term effects on sports participation

Project summary Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model acknowledges that there are limitations to ensuring appropriate development of team sports, especially with regards to selecting into chronological age (CA) bands. Adolescent of the same CA can be 4 to 5 years apart developmentally (Biological Age; BA). It’s suggested that late maturation could impede…

“Sideline” physical activity

For busy youth sport parents, finding time for personal sport and physical activity can be difficult. However, engaging in “sideline” physical activity during your child’s practice or game may be one way to counteract the negative effects of sitting and other sedentary elements of the traditional parent–spectator role.

Gamification

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. Learn how MLSE LaunchPad has used gamification to support the development of prosocial life skills in the SIRCuit.