Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective

Concussions and Confidence: Why Mental Readiness Matters in Recovery

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Each year, an estimated 200,000 sport-related concussions occur in Canada, affecting athletes of all ages and levels. But recovery is about more than just physical healing. In this episode, Dr. Keith Yeates, professor of psychology, pediatrics, and clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary, explains how psychological readiness shapes recovery. He discusses why early reporting and care can speed healing, how fear and anxiety influence outcomes, and what new research reveals about sex differences in concussion experiences. Listeners will also hear about the future of concussion care, from emerging diagnostic tools to living guidelines that continually update best practices.

Resources:

> SIRC's Concussion Hub

> Canadian Concussion Network

> Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport
> Living Guideline for Pediatric Concussion

> Living Guideline for Concussion & Prolonged Symptoms in Adults

> Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) Online

> MOOC Online Concussion Course

> NCCP Making Headway

For more about Dr. Keith Yeate’s work and research:

> Dr. Yeates' Biography

> Brain Injury Research in Children (BIRCh) Laboratory

> Integrated Concussion Research Program

This podcast is brought to you by Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). Follow along with SIRC's francophone podcast to hear even more of the groundbreaking research and the strategies that propel our teams and athletes forward.

On the sidelines but central: The powerful role parents play in youth sport

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Youth sport doesn’t happen without parents—but their role is far more complex than carpooling and cheering. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nick Holt, Dean of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, longtime coach, and parent, about how parents shape their child’s sporting experience—for better or worse. Drawing from 2 decades of research in youth sport and development, Holt explores the fine line between support and control, why sideline behaviour matters, and how clubs and coaches can work with parents to foster positive environments. Because in youth sport, parents aren’t just on the sidelines—they’re part of the team.

Resources:
> Parental involvement in youth sport settings
> Positive Youth Development through Sport
> Exploring sport parents' emotion abilities
> Parents and emotions in youth sport: A scoping review

The lasting social impact of mega sporting events: Creating accessible, inclusive legacies

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Mega sporting events like the Olympics and Paralympics promise excitement, but do they leave a lasting social impact? Dr. Laura Misener, professor and researcher at Western University, explores how these global spectacles can drive real change—especially in accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. In this episode, we examine what it takes to turn a two-week event into a long-term legacy, why grassroots initiatives matter more than big-ticket projects, and how Para sport can shift public perceptions. From policy to technology, discover the keys to ensuring these events don’t just impress—but improve the communities that host them.

Resources:

> Expert insight: Why the Olympics and Paralympics aren’t blended into one Games

> Examining the evolution of network governance forms of an event leveraging collective: a longitudinal investigation

> Beyond Olympic legacy: Understanding Paralympic legacy through a thematic analysis

> Leveraging disability sport events: Impacts, promises, and possibilities

FUN MAPS: Rethinking the Joy of Sport

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What really makes sport fun for kids—and why does it matter? Dr. Erin Sharpe joins the podcast to explore FUN MAPS, a research-based tool reshaping how we think about fun in youth sport. From redefining coaching strategies to boosting retention, discover how effort, teamwork, and challenge are key to keeping kids engaged—and enjoying—the sport experience.

Resources:

> Paper: The Fun Integration Theory: Towards Sustaining Children and Adolescents Sport Participation
> Short summary paper: The FUN MAPS: A Youth Sport Scientific Breakthrough
> Blog: What makes playing sport fun is...
> Webinar: Dr. Amanda Visek | What is FUN? The Fun Integration Theory

The Invisible Opponent: How Body Image and Surveillance Shapes Sport Performance

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Athletes train to be stronger, faster, and more skilled but what happens when their toughest opponent is their own reflection? In this episode, we explore the impact of body image and body surveillance in sport, from how uniforms influence participation to the subtle ways coaching language shapes self-perception. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, an expert in sport psychology, reveals how negative body image affects confidence, performance, and mental health. We discuss strategies for athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to foster a healthier culture, one that values performance over appearance. Because true athletic success isn’t just about how you look, it’s about what you can do.

Resources:

> Dr. Catherine Sabiston’s Research

Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In the debut episode of Sport Intelligence: The Canadian Perspective, host Paula Baker looks at the intricate world of talent identification and athlete development with Dr. Joe Baker, a leading expert from the University of Toronto. Explore the myth of talent, the unpredictability of athletic success, and how countries like Australia are pioneering innovative approaches to nurturing future champions. Dr. Baker shares insights on how psychological factors, feedback, and even gaze behaviour play pivotal roles in identifying and fostering 'sleeper' athletes — those who surprise everyone by excelling later in their careers. Join us as we challenge traditional methods, discuss the impact of a caring and thoughtful selection process, and consider the broader implications of talent management across an athlete's lifespan. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode will reshape your understanding of what it takes to succeed in sports.

Resources:

> SIRC article: Beyond the Stats: Understanding Sleeper Athletes with Dr. Joe Baker
> Learn more about Joe Baker's research: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/
> Learn more about Joe Baker's Publications: https://www.bakerlab.kpe.utoronto.ca/publications
> Book: The Tyranny of Talent