Virtual Reality and Skill Development
Thinking about investing to the latest virtual reality (VR) applications for your basketball or baseball team? While promising, the majority of VR applications have focused on endurance sports, where less factors need to be considered to create an immersive environment. To support skill development, the latest tech should be evaluated for its action fidelity and…
Tradition or Tech? Either Way, Keep It Representative
Some coaches rely on de facto drills that seem to be an essential part of their sport as a foundation for their practices; others turn to the latest gadgets and technology to drive their practice plans. Before integrating tradition or tech, coaches should evaluate their drills and innovative tools based on their contribution to skill…
Using technology to design and deliver positive youth sport programs
Project Summary The purpose of the study was to gain insight into how positive youth development (PYD) through sport and physical activity is understood for Indigenous youth in western, central, and eastern urban communities in Canada. The following research questions were addressed: 1) What meaning do the outcomes related to PYD in sport and physical…
Digital Overload
A steady stream of remote meetings or online classes can become exhausting as the pandemic wears on, according to experts at the University of Alberta. Avoid digital overload by taking breaks away from screens, avoiding multitasking during meetings, and setting up informal online group drop-ins.
Virtual Stadium
With mass gatherings prohibited, sport leagues are getting creative to engage their fans. The Canadian Premier League unveiled Canada’s first virtual stadium for a professional sporting competition at the 2020 CPL Island Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, which kicked off mid-August. The technology uses augmented reality to create a mix of virtual and real…
Digital Program Admin
Thinking about taking your program registration and evaluation tasks online? In the SIRCuit, MLSE LaunchPad shares insights and best practices from the development of their Scoreboard™ digital platform.
Volleyball Aerodynamics
New research in aerodynamics is shedding light on the key to those sneaky float serves in volleyball. Using a wind tunnel and hitting robot, researchers noted the pattern of panels on the ball presents an asymmetric surface to the flow of air, leading to unpredictable flight patterns. Switching from the standard panel arrangement to a…
Experts in the House – Q&A with Warren Weeks on “The Art of the Great Presentation”
With audiences spending more time online due to the pandemic, sport and physical activity organizations have an opportunity to deliver stronger presentations in new ways. On July 15, SIRC hosted a webinar – The Art of the Great Presentation – led by media expert Warren Weeks, designed to help participants deliver better presentations online and…
Football Canada Concussion Management
Despite high public angst about concussions in sport, participation in football is on the rise. Football Canada reported a 44% increase in the participation of boys and girls up to the U18 level between 2014-2018. In the SIRC blog, learn how Football Canada is using research and innovative technology to keep the sport safe through…
Evaluate Internal Comms
As organizations become accustomed to working-from-home, it may be time to evaluate internal communication practices. Sport leaders should take the time to assess team and individual needs, prioritize and flex regular meetings, share facilitation duties, and be creative with social connection opportunities.