Thursday, December 31, 2009

Baby It’s Cold Outside…


We will see 150 competitive events in the upcoming Winter Games in February but that doesn’t cover all of the activities that are available in the winter months! Winter weather has arrived in Canada and across the country temperatures can range from +9°C to -45°C. For most of the country this means it is cold outside – freezing cold – and you have two choices stay inside or go outside and play! If you are prepared for the weather, Canada can be a winter wonderland with never-ending possibilities of things to do.

Thinking it’s too cold outside? There are so many things that can keep you toasty while enjoying the outdoors. Developments over the years have led to thermal fabrics using body moisture to generate heat to boots and gloves with heating mechanisms to keep your digits nice and warm. Try not to get too overwhelmed by all the options and don’t forget there are review guides that can help you.

You may have been skating, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, running, snowboarding, or dog-sledding but there are other possibilities. Why not try heli-skiing, snow kiting, and ice climbing. As we ring in the New Year and recover from the holiday season why not give these new winter activity a go in 2010? Information about all of these activities and many more can be found within the SIRC library.

Keep reading because there will be much more featured on winter fun in the upcoming months!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

At SIRC You Learn Something New Every Day!

The SIRC Collection receives new publications everyday and it is always exciting to see what new research and fun facts are being published. It is very common to hear one of the SIRC Staff start a sentence with “Did you know…” As we come to the end of 2009 here are a few items that have completed the “Did you know…” sentence.
  • About 25% of athletic trainers use pickle juice to treat muscle cramps. Some report, that 1 to 2oz (30-6- mL) of pickle juice relieves cramps within 35 seconds. The mechanism is illusive because rapid relief must mean that pickle juice empties from the stomach very quickly, yet a gastric-emptying study with pickle juice indicates it empties very slowly from the stomach.

  • Simply rinsing the mouth with sports drink helps runners run faster. After an overnight fast (13-15h without food) and before and during a 1-hour run, 10 trained runners rinsed their mouth for 5 seconds with a sports drink, and then spit it out. With the sports drink mouth rinse; they were able to run 365 meters longer during the hour.

  • A study of 634 nutrition supplements indicated that about 15% contained a banned substance, even though the supplement came from a factory that did not manufacture the banned substances (i.e. steroids, ephedrine). The products most likely to be contaminated with illegal compounds include bodybuilding supplements and weight loss products.

If you liked these did you knows make sure that you check out the SIRC Newsletters! Not only do they have a Did you know … section but they contain many interesting articles from the SIRC Collection.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Holiday Poem


‘Twas the night before the holidays, in SIRC’s library stacks,
There were little librarians, shelving books back .
Books on conditioning, rowing, anatomy and wakeboarding,
Fitness, performance, skiing and snowboarding.

When out at the reference desk they heard such a clatter,
They ran out from the stacks, to see what was a matter.
It was Debra, the CEO, with journals galore,
Her arms were so full, they had fallen to the floor.

Sport Science, Sport Management, and the Sport Law Review,
Managing Leisure, Soccer & Society just to name a few.
Referee, WakeSports Canada and Swim News,
Were all over the floor and covering her shoes.

Debra had been reading, scanning the latest sports news,
Picking out key articles that SIRC’s members could use.
All the SIRC librarians read and scan journals everyday,
To make sure SIRC members are informed in every way.

SIRC’s doors may be closed during the holiday break,
But those little librarians, no rest they take.
Look to our website, blogs, twitters and feeds,
For all of your sport information needs.

May sport be the bond that continue to unite.
Happy holidays to all and to all a good night.

SIRC Holiday Hours
The SIRC office will be closed on Thursday December 24, 2009 at 12:00pm and re-open on Monday January 4, 2010 for the holiday season.

Fermeture du SIRC durant le temps des Fêtes
Le bureau du SIRC sera fermé durant le temps des Fêtes du jeudi le 24 décembre 2009 à midi au dimanche 3 janvier 2010 inclusivement.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

What’s the fastest growing sport in North America?


According to SGMA’s (Sport Goods Manufacturing Association) Annual Report, Ultimate is the fastest growing sport with a 20% increase in participation from 2008. With over 1 million people playing Ultimate at least 25 times per year. Here in Canada, Ultimate Canada Magazine reports that there are over 30,000 league players registered.

First a little history: In the 1920s, Yale undergrads would toss around the pie tins from the bakery of William Russell Frisbie after they had consumed the pies. Then in the 1950s the Wham-O Inc. Toy Company created the Pluto Platter which was later renamed Frisbee in 1957. The game of Ultimate Frisbee was created by high school students in 1967, and then in 1972 the first intercollegiate game was played between Princeton and Rutgers. Now the U.S. college championships are broadcasted by CBC Sports.

In Canada, Ultimate is played within the elementary, secondary, college and university systems as well as recreationally in many cities throughout the country. A great example of how this sport has grown in Canada is the Ontario Disc Sports Association (ODSA), since its inception in 2005 ODSA has focused on grassroots outreach programs which have reached over 30,000 youth throughout the elementary and secondary school systems. When the ODSA first began there was only 4 member clubs representing 275 players, today there are 30 member clubs representing over 11,000 players, a very significant growth in just 4 years.

The ODSA has just recently become a SIRC member! The resources SIRC has to offer will be a great benefit to this growing sport and Provincial Sport Organization. Some examples of recent SIRC content on disc sport include:

Kerins, Andrew J.; Scott, David; Shafer, C. Scott, Evaluating the Efficacy of a Self-classification Measure of Recreation Specialization in the Context of Ultimate Frisbee. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration Fall 2007, Vol. 25 Issue 3, p1.

Johnson, Tyler, G.; Darst, Paul W.; Brusseau, Timothy A., "Got Disc?" The "Ultimate" Experience in Physical Education. JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Nov/Dec 2006: Vol. 77 Issue 9. p. 27-33

Smith, Matthew, Schools. Physical Education Matters Summer 2008, Vol. 3 Issue 2, p27.

Ultimate drills: the go-to drill. Ottawa Outdoors Spring 2003: p. 45.

Bethea, Charles, Ultimate Frisbee (a brief history). Outside Jul2008, Vol. 33 Issue 7, p24 1/4p.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Sit-up Straight!

Ever find yourself hunched over your computer at work with back pain or rubbing the back of your shoulders or neck to get rid of the knot in your muscle? Many of us suffer from the pains of poor posture at the computer workstation. Those that use computers for more than 5 hours a day can be more than twice as likely to have back problems as those that don’t. These problems could be prevented by an ergonomically correct set-up at your station which aids in proper alignment. If you are looking to improve your posture or to give your tired muscles a break, try some work-based posture exercises for relief.

A great article in the SIRC Collection that will help you set up your workstation and gives you some posture exercises is:
  • Desk Posture. SportEx Medicine. Issue 41 (July 2009), p.17-19.

And for those of you who are looking to create a happier and healthier work environment, remember that research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has shown that workers are more productive and work better with others after an exercise break. So get up off those chairs and start moving!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

SIRC Newsletter - Healthy Holidays!


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -Healthy Holidays!


For 11 months of the year we watch what we eat and stick to our exercise routine. Then the holiday season rolls around and the wheels fall off. Tempted by wonderful goodies every time you turn around and overloaded by a hectic holiday schedule it is easy to let your healthy habits slip, overindulge, neglect your workouts and become stressed. But with a little moderation, organization and motivation it is easy to keep on track and have a healthy, active holiday season straight through to the New Year!


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

GPS Not Just For Your Car Anymore!

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace these days and there are applications available for almost everything. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are now considered standard equipment in cars and vehicles to help you get where you are going.

Recently, SIRC has discovered that more and more journals in the SIRC Collection are including articles on ways to use a GPS to help you in your sport and fitness training. From running, skiing, cycling, and walking to rowing, soccer and tennis, a GPS can provide a multitude of information to coaches and athletes to improve their training.

A GPS can help you:

  • track speed and distance
  • track an athlete in team sport
  • simulate a race course
  • even monitor heart rate when connected to other applications

These are only a few of the ways a GPS and technology in general can help you in your training. There are more innovative ways to use technology to push the envelope and achieve your next personal best.

Check out the following resources to help jump start your GPS training :

Be sure to visit SIRC for even more great resources on GPS and training.

Friday, December 11, 2009

SIRC@Sport4Ontario Wins Congeniality Award in SAO’s Torch Competition

Tenants of the Sport Alliance of Ontario building honoured the upcoming Olympics on Thursday with a special celebration. Three tenants of the building will be torch bearers in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Organizers thought it would be great to bring the Olympic Spirit to the Provincial Sport Organizations. Part of the celebration involved a “design your own torch” competition. SIRC and Sport4Ontario decided to participate in a unique way. Using resources from the SIRC collection, SIRC@Sport4Ontario was able to design a torch that both celebrated the event and the torchbearers from the building. James Worrall was the flag bearer in the 1936 Olympics. SIRC’s entry incorporated pictures from the 1936 Olympics as well as a picture of James carrying the flag. The same was also accomplished for Torch Bearer John Craig; giving SIRC’s entry a personal touch. SIRC was pleased to win the Congeniality award for our torch!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Social Media: How do you choose?



Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, YouTube, Widgetbox, MySpace, Picasa, Hipcast, Google Video, Meebo, Gabby, 30Boxes … The list goes on!

Social media is here to stay. With so many choices it can be difficult to figure out what type of social media to tap into. Aspects of social media pepper the literature that passes through the SIRC Collection, examples include:
• Lessons in social media
• Guidelines for sports officials posting on Twitter
• YouTube views during the Beijing Games
• Keeping your members informed through social media
• Marketing your organization, meetings and events
• Putting competition videos on YouTube
• Official team and event blogs
• Using the web as a tool in teaching health and physical education
• Relationship between journalists and bloggers

For the most part blogs (Blogger/Typepad), Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn and YouTube seem to be the essentials. If you are looking for information on how to incorporate them into your organization and/or is it out there!

What you are reading right now is a blog and is part of the Blogosphere. If blogging is where you would like to start check out the following resources to get you started:

Definition: Blog -Wondering that a blog is? Personal blogs, corporate blogs, search engines, advertising and more are summed up in this definition.

Digging Deeper: Your Guide to Blogging -Provides a quick overview of a blog touching on common elements, how to blog, getting your blog noticed and searching for blogs.

Technorati: Blogging Central -Everything that you may need to know and more on blogging. Today’s leading story is Top Ten Tactics for Driving Blog Traffic.

Check out SIRC's other social media sites:

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Did you know … SIRC has a regional office in Toronto? You can check books out of the Ottawa and Toronto locations if you are a member of SIRC?


Recently SIRC and SPORT4ONTARIO hosted an Open House at our NEW regional office in Toronto. After consulting with Amanda Street-Bishop, the Information Specialist at the SIRC@SPORT4ONTARIO Office, Nancy Rebel and Brandie Adams brought over 400 books, journals and DVDs from the SIRC Collection to the Toronto office for people to browse through. The event was fantastic! Numerous sport groups in the GTA attended the event to find out about SIRC services and to help choose what they would like included in the SIRC@SPORT4ONTARIO Library. Debra Gassewitz, president and CEO of SIRC, gave a brief presentation and then launched the new Check Out service.

SIRC members in Ottawa and the GTA are now able to borrow SIRC resources on a weekly basis. Currently there are over fifty publications being circulated on nutrition, team building, officiating, mental training, administration, coaching, strength training, leisure management and more. Popular books include:

o Successful Sports Officiating: fundamentals for all officials.
o The Women's Basketball Drill Book: More than 180 drills from the game's top coaches.
o Speed for Sports Performance (DVD)
o Complete Conditioning for Tennis.

SIRC is looking forward to organizing other events in the future. Stay tuned to see what we’re hosting next!!

Also, as a new feature to our blog entries, SIRC is excited to let you know about new titles that have recently been added to the SIRC Collection:

o Actively Engaged: A Policy on Sport for Women and Girls. (Canadian Heritage)
o Rock Climbing. (Human Kinetics)
o Softball Coaching Development Program Level 3. National Coaching Certification Program. (Softball Canada)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

SIRC and the Centre for Sport and Law announce partnership

The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) and the Centre for Sport and Law (CSL) have joined forces to offer quality and relevant educational programming to Canadian sport administrators. Topics for the 2010 calendar year include practical and expert-driven advice on management issues including strength-based planning, risk management, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and social media.

“As SIRC continues to focus on connecting sport leaders with helpful and relevant resources, we are pleased to announce a partnership that will see us collaborating to provide professional development opportunities for sport leaders at our office in Ottawa and our new satellite location in Toronto,” said Debra Gassewitz, President and CEO of SIRC.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with SIRC in offering relevant and practical workshops and seminars that sport administrators can apply immediately as they manage issues, seize opportunities, and navigate their ever-changing and complex external environments,” stated Rachel Corbett, one of the founding partners of the CSL.

This partnership emerged out of the positive experience both organizations had when collaborating on two unique workshops in 2008 – “Preparing for Beijing: Are You Dispute Ready?” in April of that year, and “Not Your Normal Risk Management Workshop” in June. Registration for the 2010 workshops will begin in December and will be coordinated online via SIRC. The partnership will see four to six workshops offered per year at each location, on leading–edge topics relevant to sport administrators.

For more information, please contact Dina Bell-Laroche at 613-591-1246 or 613-294-4118 or Kim Sparling at 613-231-7472

Friday, November 27, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Team Cohesion!


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Team Cohesion!

Team cohesion is critical, as it can often impact performance. However, this can be difficult as all athletes have different personalities, goals, achievements and athletic ability. It is important to participate in team building exercises and to come up with expectations together not only for the team but also for players as individuals; this can include goals, commitment and procedures for dealing with problems within the team. Team building is not just something that should be done at the beginning of the season or when new players join, it must be worked on all season in order to have athletes work together as a cohesive team.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/november09/index.html

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

2010 SIRC Research Award - Official Launch


SIRC is inviting Canadian university students and faculty to submit their original sport related research for consideration of the 2010 SIRC Research Award and Canadian undergraduate students to submit their literature review research papers for consideration for the 2010 SIRC Research Development Award.

The 2010 SIRC Research Award has two categories;
• The social impact of sport on the community
• The impact of applied research on athletic excellence / high performance

The 2010 SIRC Research Development Research Award has two categories;
• Health and Sport
• Participation and Sport

For more information and eligibility criteria regarding the 2010 SIRC Research Award and SIRC Research Development Award please visit http://www.sirc.ca/researchaward.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Get Fit!


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter Get Fit!

With summer vacations over and kids heading back to school we find ourselves falling back into a regular routine. This is the perfect time to start incorporating exercise to your day to get fit and keep energized. When designing your fitness program it is important to incorporate three main components to receive maximum health benefits: cardio or aerobic activity, strength training and stretching/flexibility. But before you can hit the gym you need to have a clear understanding of what your fitness goals are and what your current fitness level is. Once you start your exercise routine it is a good idea to vary your workout from time to time. So try something new whether it is adding a group fitness class or yoga to keep motivated. Finally remember no matter your age, it is never to late or too early to start an exercise program!

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/september09/index.html

Monday, August 31, 2009

Closing of the 2009 Canada Games

The 2009 Canada Games came to a close on Saturday at the UPEI Alumni Place. The rain did not put a damper on the athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators that filled the stands to enjoy the awards and entertainment of the closing ceremony.

The stage looked like a huge ship paying homage to Halifax, Nova Scotia who will be hosting the upcoming Winter Canada Games in 2011.

The 2009 Canada Games on Prince Edward Island were a success. I had a great time representing SIRC throughout the two weeks talking with many people throughout the Games and learn what type of sport information people are looking for. It was great to know that many people receive and enjoy the SIRC Daily Press Release service and SIRC newsletters.

Everyone is already looking ahead to 2011 in Halifax which should be a fantastic time. The theme is "bring it" and it should be exciting to see what SIRC will bring to the Games!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Sunny, Windy Thursday

The countdown is on now until the closing ceremony of the Canada Games. I came into the Athletes Info and Activity Centre today and was pleased to notice that the athletes have been taking advantage of the materials in the mobile SIRC library.

This morning I was able to catch some of the kayaking. Despite being quite windy and a little chilly there were quite a few people out to watch at 9:30am. After a few mishaps (boat sinking, people falling out) they postponed some of the events until later today.

Last night was the AthletesCAN forum. The place was filled with athletes, most from canoe/kayak, to listen to the Ambassadors talk about their ups and downs in sport. The importance of mental training, imagery and building confidence was a theme with most of the athletes. My favourite quote was from Jeane Lassen. After talking about working so hard from the 2000 Olympics and not being able to compete because of an injury she said "hard work doesn't always pay off but it is the only way to achieve success."

Hopefully Facebook will let me post some pictures soon !

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Week Two is under way!

Yesterday was the first day of events for week two. After practices being cancelled on Sunday because of rain and wind (Hurricane Bill) everyone was ready for the week to begin. It seemed like the perfect day for outdoor sport with a mild temperature and very little wind. From the sounds of things the indoor action for volleyball and swimming was equally as exciting.

There are a few first at the Canada Games this year and yesterday was the premiere of the Special Olympics in the 100M and 1500M wheelchair.

The mobile SIRC Resource Centre is set up in three areas this week. You can find me at the Coaches Lounge, Athletes Village Information Centre or the Athlete Entertainment area. Of course, you could also see me at one of the venues cheering on the athletes! One of the highlights for me yesterday was seeing Jeremy Wall, my good friends' little brother, run in the 100M Special Olympics.

After one day I've met quite a few people who are familiar with SIRC and the athletes, coaches and volunteers who have not encountered us before are interested to learn more. One athlete told me "that's really cool" which I thought was a pretty good compliment!

I've taken a more pictures that I'll post to the SIRC Facebook page so check it out later on today!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Rain, rain, rain

Today is the first day of week two at the Canada Games. The athletes should have an interesting practice day with all the rain PEI is going to get this Sunday. The good thing is that Hurricane Bill should have passed us by tonight.

I'm off to Charlottetown to set up the mobile SIRC Resource Centres in the athlete and coaches' lounges. This week will be an exciting one with men's soccer, athletics, swimming, women's wrestling, canoe/kayak, golf, volleyball and baseball taking place in the Eastern part of the province. If you want to see where it is all happening check out the 2009 Canada Games virtual tour of the campus.

Friday, August 21, 2009

What a week!!

First off, a big thanks to the publishers to donated materials to the mobile SIRC Resource Centre! It was a hit during week one of the Canada Games and I can only imagine that it will be just as popular next week with the coaches and the athletes!

With Friday coming to a close there is only one day left of week one. Everyone has been enjoying their time on PEI and the weather has been phenomenal! There is a feeling of celebration as the medal rounds are being completed. For the most part everyone can relax and enjoy their final night tonight.

Today I was able to catch wrestling, women’s soccer and beach volleyball. If you are a friend of SIRC on Facebook you will be able to see some of the pictures I’ve taken so far.

Things I’ve notice through week one:
- Every province in Canada is a strong contender in the 2009 Canada Games.
- Some provinces go all out with fan gear to make as much noise as they can during the Games.
- There is a camaraderie surrounding the Games no matter if you are a parent, athlete, coach, officials, volunteer … or librarian.
- People are familiar with SIRC!!
- Coaches like resources. The books and journals I brought are disappearing. It’s fantastic!!
- Volunteers are great! If they are not volunteering they are cheering on the athletes in the stands.
- Fans, there are lots of them. The stands were filled at all the events I’ve attended.

Week one is almost finished and it went by in a blur. I’ve had a great time so far.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2009 Canada Games - Lots of Sports and Inspirational Athletes!

The last few days of the Canada Games have flown by. With all of the events taking place it can feel overwhelming to try to see everything. So far I’ve managed to catch some of the beach volleyball, rowing, triathlon and basketball however that is just the tip of the iceberg. Each event has been fantastic to watch as all the provinces are showing their strength.

Today was a treat. I was able to sit in and listen to the AthletesCan Ambassadors speak to athletes about their experience in sport from grassroots to the podium. David Calder highlighted the importance of setting goals. He had aspired to win an Olympic Gold Medal in rowing at age thirteen while rowing in Victoria with Silken Laumann on Christmas Day. (He passed his Olympic Silver Medal around and we all got to hold it - yeah!) Erin Carter enthusiastically highlighted what sport can mean to the athlete and how the skills that they are learning can transfer to all aspects of their lives. Kevin Stittle and Heather Moyse spoke about how now more than ever being an athlete is an attainable dream to have as a career. All encouraged the athletes to make the most of their experience at the Canada Games.

At the end of the AthletesCAN Forum the floor was open for questions. One of the athletes asked the Ambassadors how they knew that sport was what they wanted to focus on because he was at a crossroads between choosing a normal life of that of an athlete. After some humorous jabs at athletes being normal each, athlete took a stab at answering his question and overall their answer had a common thread. They all had an overwhelming passion to competing in their sport, it was their passion in life. They evening ended with, Michael Smith, convener of the evening commenting that each athlete in the room was an ordinary person but they were doing extraordinary things.

Check out the daily Athlete Ambassador on the SIRC Press Release!

Monday, August 17, 2009

The 2009 Canada Games have started!

Hi, my name is Brandie Adams and I am the Reference Librarian at SIRC. I’m very excited to be attending the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island. If the energy and the weather continue like this they are sure to be the best Games yet! I could be slightly bias, I’m from PEI and it is a wonderful feeling to look around and see the whole Island get involved and support Canadian sport.

The opening ceremonies were in Summerside on Saturday. The athletes entered the Credit Union Place with big smiles waving their provincial flags. Each athlete was able to meet Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We listened to uplifting speeches and were entertained by a variety of local musical talent.

With the first day of events complete the Games are well under way. Today is sure to be filled with activity. After attending the media briefing I'll be spending time in the Coaches of Canada Coaches’ Lounge before heading off to the watch some of the events. With basketball, beach volleyball, rugby, tennis, rowing, diving, softball, tennis, cycling, soccer and sailing happening there are lots of things to choose from today! In two days I’ve met some fantastic people so I'm looking forward to seeing what today brings.

Friday, August 14, 2009

SIRC is at the 2009 Canada Games


SIRC is excited to be attending the 2009 Canada Games held in PEI from August 15-29. As Canada’s National Sport Library, we will be there with the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre providing athletes, coaches, parents, officials and the media with access to the latest sport resources. Our Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams, will be on-hand to showcase the resources available at SIRC and answer questions. Make sure that you check out the SIRC Blog, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates throughout the event!

Keep your eyes out for SIRC at the athletes, coaches and Officials’ lounge, media briefings, athlete focus groups and forums and cheering on athletes as they go for the gold! Look for daily athlete and ambassador bios in SIRC’s Emailservice and be sure to check out our Canada Games’ webpage for even more resources!

SIRC Newsletter -Canada Games/Youth Athletes


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Canada Games/Youth Athletes

Whether you are a parent, athlete or coach it is important to remember younger athletes often have different requirements when it comes to training, nutrition and competition. For this reason it is important to keep informed about the various aspects of a developing athlete. Stress, sleep, conditioning and nutrition can play a huge role in the performance of young athletes. All are challenging in a typical teenage lifestyle being informed and learning how to manage these areas is essential to a competitive athlete.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-aug09/index.html

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Concussions


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Concussions

A Concussion is an injury that should be taken seriously by coaches, parents and players. Although usually associated with sports such as hockey, soccer, football, equestrian and boxing, a concussion can occur in any sport. Since you cannot see a concussion, often athletes will continue to play and not report their symptoms, thinking it was just a bump on the head. This can have catastrophic outcomes, continuing to play with a concussion or returning to play too soon after a concussion can result in permanent brain damage and in rare cases lead to death. Any athletes exhibiting symptoms of a concussion should stop playing immediately and consult a doctor. Remember it is better to miss one game then the entire season.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/august09/index.html

Thursday, July 23, 2009

"Capture the Moment" -Photo Contest!


Submit a photo to the SIRC Capture the Moment Photo Contest!

Do you like taking sport photos? Here’s your chance to win great prizes, get international exposure as well as have your photo included in Canada’s National Sport Library. SIRC is holding a “Capture the Moment” photo contest! We are trying to collect photos that capture all the various moments of people in sport.

For more information and to submit a photo click HERE!

Friday, July 17, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Hydration


Check out SIRC's latest newsletter on hydration!

Remaining well hydrated is very important especially during the summer months and for anyone participating in physical activity. Dehydration can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches and sluggishness, resulting in loss of playing time and a decrease in performance. When it comes to hydration there are many things to consider: Which is better water or sports drinks? Are there times when one is better then the other? How do you determine how much to drink? Is it possible to over-hydrate yourself? And does a hydration strategy change with age?

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/july09/index.html

Thursday, July 2, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Cycling


Check out SIRC's Latest Newsletter on Cycling!

Cycling is an outstanding means of physical activity. Whether you cycle to compete or just hop on your bike for a little exercise, cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise which will build muscle at the same time. Injuries are very common among cyclists, primarily involving the knee. The number one way to prevent injuries is to make sure your bike is the right fit. The first step towards riding injury free all summer long is to ensure your frame size, saddle configuration (height, position and tilt) and handlebar position are correct. Another key component to staying injury free is safety equipment. Every cyclist should wear a helmet however, bike shorts and shoes can also play a roll in preventing injuries.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-june09/Index.html

Monday, June 22, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Weather


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Weather!

The summer months are full of unpredictable weather conditions, with everything from lightning to extreme heat. Partner the extreme weather conditions with poor air quality and you are facing months of potentially dangerous situations not only for your health but in some cases your life. Taking the correct safety precautions including observing the 30-30 Rule, keeping hydrated and exercising at the right time of day, will allow you to stay active and safe all summer long!

Sport organizations/clubs are encouraged to read the article regarding Lightning and the Law: Lessons from a Soccer Game since it describes a situation last summer involving a coach, referee and U11 girls soccer team in Toronto. We are fortunate to have the legal counsel involved in the case share their story with us and highlight the lightning rule the Toronto Soccer Association has included to encourage the safety of its participants.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/june09/Index.html

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

On the Road Again


You can check out the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre at the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine's (CASM) Sport Medicine Conference in Preparation for 2010 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, Thursday June 4 and Friday June 5 in the Exhibitors Hall (booth 61).


Our Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams, will be on-hand to showcase the resources available at SIRC and to answer any questions you may have.


For more information on the conference or CASM, check out thier website at http://www.casm-acms.org/


Many thanks,
SIRC

Monday, May 25, 2009

SIRC Newsletter - Board of Directors


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Board of Directors

Effective management is very important within your organization; a critical part of this is the board of directors. The board of directors is made up of volunteers elected because of their expertise. Their responsibilities are to assist and advise your sport organization on governing, managing and developing the organization. As the role of a sport organization is continuously changing and beginning to resemble more of a business model, organizations rely on members of their board in areas such as finance, human resources, technology and marketing. Finding the balance between the sport organization’s management and the board of directors is essential, it is important that the board knows what is expected of them and the sport organization

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/may09/index.html

Thursday, May 21, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Running


Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Running

Have you ever noticed that there always seem to be more runners when the warm weather hits? Whether you are just starting out, run for physical activity or are competitive, there are many things to you can do to keep motivated and running all summer. Injury, heat, boredom, and lack of motivation are just a few obstacles runners face. However, simple things like warming-up and warming-down, picking the correct time of day to run, and selecting the correct route and distance will all assist in making your runs more enjoyable and injury free. So lace up your runners and get out there!

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-april09/index.html

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Health Promotion

Check out the latest SIRC newsletter -Health Promotion

Health Promotion is often defined as the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health. A key component of healthy living is exercise. Just doing moderate levels of exercise every week has proven to decrease your risk of disease and improve your quality of life.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-jan09/Index.html

Thursday, January 8, 2009

SIRC Newsletter -Top 10 Requested Articles of 2008

Check out our latest Newsletter - Top 10 Requested Articles of 2008

SIRC receives requests for articles everyday from sport medicine doctors, researchers and coaches from across Canada and around the world. With over 6.5 million pages of sport related material SIRC is the world’s leading sport information resource centre.
Articles are available online or through SIRC’s document delivery service. In this issue of the SIRC newsletter we would like to share ten of the top requested articles of 2008.
SIRC is also pleased to share with you five of the top research topics of 2008.

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/january09/Index.html