The future of inclusion

Canadian sport organizations develop governing documents and policies as a roadmap to the desired state of operation within their organization. But implementation of this roadmap can be a challenge. Equity, diversity and inclusion are necessary to see meaningful change, especially at the community level where the vast majority of Canadians participate in sport. Effecting grassroots…

Concussion in soccer

Neurogenerative disease is more common in former professional soccer players than in the general population. However, disease risk varies by player position and career length, and this pattern has remained consistent for decades. These findings can help inform strategies to reduce head impact exposure for athletes. Follow SIRC on social media as we share stories…

Kyle Rich ( krich@brocku.ca ) @ 09/12/2022 10:30 am

Developing a Safe Sport framework

To create a Safe Sport environment, research with Canadian sport administrators points to a need for changes to policy and education at all levels. Focusing on harm prevention is not sufficient. Sport organizations also need to promote positive values and human rights.

Athlete health and clean air

In June, on Canada’s Clean Air Day, SIRC took a look at air pollution and how it can affect the healthy and performance of outdoor sport participants. Today, is the International Day of Clean Air and it bares reminding that as sport leaders we have a responsibility to understand air pollution and its impact on…

First Aid Training

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be lifesaving, but only when the public is willing and able to use them. A recent study of community sports clubs in Ireland demonstrated that only one-fifth of club members were willing to use an AED. However, after only 2 hours of training, 77.5% were willing to use the lifesaving…

Strategic planning tips

Strategic planning can be a helpful tool in navigating changing and dynamic environments, particularly as community sport organizations begin the process of COVID-19 recovery. Talking to stakeholders, evaluating club resources, considering the community profile, and examining the competition are important steps to consider when beginning the strategic planning process.

Supporting Black coaches and athletes

Sport organizations play an important role in engaging and empowering Black girls and women in sport. By building stronger relationships with communities and recognizing and addressing existing barriers, such as language, cost and social or cultural norms, organizations can support Black women and girls as coaches and athletes.

Community sport for all

In 2021, the Government of Canada announced it would invest $80 million to support increased participation in organized community sport, particularly among underrepresented groups including Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and new Canadians. Careful planning is required to enhance these groups’ participation opportunities in community sport. Sport leaders can use strategic planning as an important tool for…

The Canadian sport and physical activity community identifies topics for researchers to prioritize 

Highlights  Adoption in practice of research findings is often sub-optimal because of a disconnect between researchers and the individuals or groups overseeing and facilitating sport and physical activity participation.  To help bridge the gap between sport and physical activity research activities and the needs of those best positioned to apply those findings, we conducted a…