What is eSport?
With the rise of technology, video games have become an incredibly common past-time for many people all around the world. As technology advances, the lines between what is considered ‘real’ or ‘virtual’ can begin to blur. One example of this is whether or not video games, at a high-level, can be considered sport. This article…
Using AI to aid Sport Organizations
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become increasingly popular and common. AI can be beneficial in improving work efficiency and reducing workload of staff. This SIRC blog outlines 3 different AI tools and how they can be used in order to aid sport organizations communications efforts.
The intersectional cost of youth sport participation
The increasing cost of youth sport participation has long been a concern for parents and policymakers alike. How issues of affordability show up varies depending upon intersectional realities of income, geography, ability, accessibility of appropriate spaces and more. This blog draws on recent insights from the Change the Game open data portal. We reflect on…
Olympic hosting relationship to medal count
Does hosting the Olympics result in a higher medal count for the host country? A recent study examined purported home advantage at the summer Olympics from 1996 to 2021. The findings suggest that assumptions about the “host effect” are exaggerated.
Working together to improve evaluation in the sport sector: Learnings from a research partnership
Evaluating programs is crucial for sport organizations. For example, evaluation can be used to demonstrate the impact of programs to funding agencies (like Sport Canada) or inform changes in programming to better serve sport participants. However, many sport organizations lack the time, money, or knowledge and experience to effectively undertaken evaluation work (Mitchell & Berlan,…
The Responsible Coaching Movement
The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is an initiative from the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. The RCM has 3 pillars: the rule of 2, background screening, and ethics training.
Safe sport tips for athletes
What is okay and what isn’t when it comes to safe sport? Sport Manitoba has compiled a handy checklist for athletes to remind them of appropriate boundaries that should exist between them and sport coaches, officials or administrators. The list identifies green light behaviours and red flag behaviours for athletes to keep in mind.
From scarcity to abundance: How Para athlete transfer can broaden development pathways
Athlete transfer is a tricky topic within the Para sport system. Athlete transfer refers to when an athlete chooses to pursue a new sport, take on an additional sport, or their circumstances compel them to change sports. Athletes may transfer for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to: competitive opportunities, age, injury, or…
Collaborative coaching is key to successful Para athlete transfer
Alexandre Hayward’s successful transfer from national level wheelchair basketball to national level Para cycling is proof of how important it is to have broad development pathways in sport. It’s particularly important in Para sport, where a “scarcity mindset” tends to exist surrounding athletes. Hayward’s experience shows how collaborative coaching across different sports can nurture athlete…
Support from local residents for sporting events
Recent research has shown that residents’ perceptions are a key predictor of support for the hosting of sporting events in a community. This article considers what combination of conditions can lead to high levels of support from residents.