Crises require “all hands on deck”

Developing a response to crises like COVID-19 pandemic requires “all hands on deck.” To help develop their return to sport strategies, the Rocky Point Sailing Association reached out to founding members who were in their 70s and 80s, and recruited new leaders from amongst their membership. This helped ensure they had diverse perspectives and experience…

Pandemic Silver Linings in Canadian Sport

This article is the second in a special series that explores how Canadian sport leaders are adapting and innovating to safeguard the wellbeing of athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and other Major Games during a global pandemic. Read the first article here. The challenges facing Canada’s top summer athletes have never…

Navigating COVID-19: A Community Sport Perspective

In the winter of 2020, the Rocky Point Sailing Association (RPSA) in Port Moody, BC was preparing for the upcoming season. RPSA is primarily run by volunteers and employs ten seasonal full-time staff who deliver long-term athlete development (LTAD) programming to more than 600 participants annually. When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, summer programs were…

Solution-Focused Mindset

Is focusing on the negatives of the COVID-19 pandemic increasing your stress and decreasing your motivation? Adopting a solution-focused mindset means challenging yourself to find new and better ways to cope with the current realities. Research shows this shift in mindset can increase self-confidence and promote a positive mood.

Returning to Sport Post-Isolation

Following a reduction of public health restrictions, some athletes may be excited about being with friends, returning to training, and looking forward to competition; others will experience fear and anxiety relating to the risk of infection, the effects of detraining, or being behind competitors and teammates. Coaches can learn more to prepare for this range…

Mind over COVID? Mental health tips for coaches, athletes, and sport administrators

During epidemics, the number of people whose mental health is affected tends to be greater than the number of people affected by the infection. Past tragedies have shown that the mental health implications can last longer and have greater prevalence than the epidemic itself and that the psychosocial and economic impacts can be incalculable if…

Return to Play Communications

“Know before you go” is a mantra driving organizations’ return to play communication, ensuring participants know what to expect, are familiar with protocols, and feel confident that health and safety is the #1 priority. Learn about this and other key factors in successful return to play plans.

“Necessity is the mother of invention”

Canadian athletes have embraced Plato’s contention that “necessity is the mother of invention” during the COVID-19 pandemic, being creative with their training plans and tapping into the physical and mental resources needed to stay at the top of their game. In the SIRCuit, athletes, team leaders, and top medical experts explore the challenges and silver…

National School Safety Week

This year, National School Safety Week (October 17-23) emphasizes the importance of being safe in the digital age. With school, sport training, and connecting with friends moving online, youth could be exposed to threats that include harmful content, viruses and ransomware, and cyberbullying. Keep your kids safe with open communication, a trusting relationship, and by…

Healthy Behaviours During COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. Researchers found that during restrictions, less than 5% of children and 0.6% of youth met recommended activity guidelines, and spent less time outside and more time in front of a screen. However, homes with greater parental…