The evolving role of coaches in athlete mental health
A coach’s influence In recent years, the mental health of athletes has garnered significant attention, both on and off the global stage. With young athletes and parents talking more openly about mental health, coaches are now finding themselves at the forefront of this discussion by being held responsible for recognizing and addressing mental health issues…
Putting mental health and performance at the heart of athlete development
Many different factors need to be considered to provide optimal development experiences for athletes. The supports and skills needed to promote lifelong sport engagement and the potential to achieve high performance go beyond the physical and sport-specific. In fact, the knowledge, attitudes, attributes and skills that promote athletes’ mental performance, mental health, relationship quality, and…
NoRefNoGame: The mental health costs of referee abuse in sports
A leading sport administrator, with over 3 decades of experience working with some of the biggest sport bodies in the country, says the kind of abuse faced by referees at all levels of sport in Canada has reached a “crisis” point that requires drastic measures. Johnny Misley, a former top official with Hockey Canada and…
Mental health through sport
On top of physical benefits, engaging in sports has many mental health benefits for adults. Research shows that adults who engage in both team and individual sports show increased psychological well-being, like higher self-esteem, and improved social outcomes, like improved interpersonal communication skills, which contribute to improved mental health. These findings highlight the importance of…