Combating gender-based violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender identity or expression. Canadian Women & Sport offers 6 ways in which gender equity in sport can help reduce gender-based violence, including clear policies, education, men’s allyship, and mentorship and sponsorship of women.
Athlete thoughts on high performance sport culture
Listening to athletes is an important part of enacting cultural change in sport. Canadian researchers interviewed athletes to get their perspective on when the feel safe versus unsafe in high performance sport settings. Inappropriate coach behaviour, an inattentive system, lack of resources and exclusion by teammates make athletes feel unsafe, while knowledgable and supportive coaches…
Anti-racism in sport
According to The Anti-Racism in Sport Campaign, addressing racism in sport should include intentional anti-racism awareness. This can happen through sharing stories, speaking out, facilitating discussions with racialized and religious minorities, and the creation and implementation of policy to hold individuals accountable. Most importantly, all of these activities should be done openly and regularly.
Sledding and tobogganing
Sledding and tobogganing are fun ways to stay active this winter. Proper safety strategies are important for preventing sledding and tobogganing-related accidents. Some safety tips include wearing a helmet, ensuring the hill is free of any obstacles and using sledding equipment which is in good condition.
How to avoid groupthink in sport environments
Groupthink is when members of a group allow their desire for cohesion to override their motivation to critically consider alternative courses of action. Sports teams and organizations are vulnerable to conformity because of a strong desire to belong and fit in. To avoid groupthink, encourage diversity on your team, create an enviroment where athletes feel…
Acquired Cognitive-Communication Disorder and Post-Concussion Syndrome
After a single concussion 15-30% of individuals do not recover within the expected time frame. This experience is termed “Post-Concussion Syndrome.” During this time, some athletes may experience challenges with cognition and communication, known as “Acquired Cognitive-Communication Disorder.” Speech-language pathologists can serve as an important part of the post-concussion care team to assist with cognitive…
Mental health at the Olympic and Paralympic Games
One hundred days before the Tokyo Olympic Games, World Champion rower Caileigh Filmer was ready to quit her sport. But instead, she decided to inspire others by sharing first-hand accounts of her experience with depression. Discover how the people responsible for mental health for Team Canada learned from the experiences of athletes like Filmer to…
Combating gender-based violence
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gender-based violence is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender identity or expression. Canadian Women & Sport offers 6 ways in which gender equity in sport can help reduce gender-based violence, including clear policies, education, men’s allyship, and mentorship and sponsorship…
Supporting the lone girl
Girls competing on boys’ teams happens often and across numerous sports. But according to new research, ‘lone girls’ face unique challenges to their sport participation, leaving many girls to feel both left out and singled out because of their gender. Support the lone girl on your team by ensuring that they have a safe and…
Trauma-sensitive youth sport programs
Sport can be a powerful resource for children who had experienced trauma. A case study of BGC Canada’s Bounce Back League shows that new trauma-informed practices can be successfully integrated into communities by taking small steps, maintaining open communication, and building on existing club capacities.