The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to examine how high school sport can be framed as a context that facilitates positive youth development. Data were collected in two phases. In phase one, a case study of a high school ice hockey program recognised for focusing on youth development was conducted. One article was written, documenting the design of the program and its impact on student development. Results indicate that participants believed students were learning a wide range of life skills and values but that administrators and coaches faced many challenges in sustaining the program. In phase two, interviews were conducted with model high school coaches and their athletes and three articles were written (articles two, three, and four). The second article examines how model high school coaches teach students life skills and how to transfer these skills to other life domains. Results demonstrate that the model coaches prioritised development and had specifically designed strategies to help students learn and transfer life skills. The third article investigates how model high school coaches learn to facilitate positive youth development through sport. Results indicate that these coaches were lifelong learners who took advantage of learning situations in order to refine their skills and use sport as a tool for development. The fourth article examines the characteristics athletes prefer in high school coaches. Results indicate that most athletes prefer coaches who are supportive, knowledgeable, good motivators, and prioritise athlete development. Based on the results of the two phases of data collection, an article was written with the objective of providing coaches with strategies on how to facilitate positive youth development through sport. Strategies consist of: (a) developing a coaching philosophy, (b) developing relationships with athletes, (c) having developmental strategies, (d) making athletes practice life skills, and (e) teaching athletes about the transferability of life skills.

Within Canada, high school sport is the most popular extracurricular activity (Statistics Canada, 2008). Previous research has found that teachers who take additional roles may increase their chances of role conflict and occupational dissatisfaction (Richards & Templin, 2012). Little research has examined the motivations teacher-coaches have for taking on a dual-role. Further, researchers assert that high school sport can facilitate positive youth development (Camiré, & Trudel, 2010). The purpose of this thesis was to gain a more in-depth understanding of this dual-role as well as perceptions related positive youth development. Results of the research are presented in two articles. The first article examines teacher-coaches motives for taking on a dual role position. The second article examines the perceptions teacher-coaches have related to the impact of participation in high school sport. Overall, the results produced rich insight into the world of volunteer teacher-coaches and student-athlete development in high school sport.

The dissertation is focused on practical example of running marketing agency SPORT INVEST Marketing, a.s. and the performance of provided services to the selected athlete -- speed skater Martina Sáblíková. Based on the used methods -- questionnaire survey and interview- I assessed the answers and obtained data, from which result SWOT analysis. I recommended to marketing agency the suggestions to improve and to efficiency their procedures from the selection of athletes to seeking of suitable business partners. The dissertation shows that the selection of athletes is important, for agency and potential sponsors too. The success of athlete does not assure the other marketing utilization of athlete. Also promotion sponsors of athletes should become something special and ensure the main sponsors exklusive terms.

Abstract Early sport specialization is a phenomenon that continues to be practiced in today’s youth sports environment. The purpose of this study was to explore practices around early specialization within the minor hockey context in Eastern Ontario. More specifically, the goal of this thesis was to better understand parental perspectives on specialization versus diversification relative to their child’s experience in the sport of ice hockey. Additionally, this study aimed to uncover the rates of specialization in Minor Peewee AA ice hockey players in Eastern Ontario and the factors that influence those who specialize. A concurrent embedded mixed-methods procedure was employed for this study; a total of 114 survey responses and 15 semi-structured interviews formed the study sample. Findings in the study reveal a large majority of parents foster specialization in their child as 87% (n=114) of survey participants identified as having a child who specializes in the sport of ice hockey. However, interview data revealed that parents favor development through diversification. Individual influences such as parents and coaching staff were found to be contributing factors to the phenomenon of specialization. Further, the availability of resources within the hockey context was additionally found to influence specialization. Finally, Hockey Canada’s current position was cogitated with the results to reveal a strong inclination towards elite development. Results indicate a need for parent and coach education regarding their role in early specialization and their support for diversification of sport experiences. It is of particular importance during the transitioning years in particular where stakeholders (parents, coaches, administration) foster the sense of well-rounded development of a participating child not just for the preparation for the elite stages of sport but for overall wellness of the individual.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a term expanded from the female athlete triad the is inclusive to males and females and the negative physiological symptoms impacting athlete health and performance from low energy availability. Bone health is one of the ten health consequences of RED-S. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate RED-S in female and male collegiate athletes and determine if there is an association with bone health. Thirteen participants completed an electronic survey containing the LEAF-Q and EAT-26, a three-day food diary and exercise log, and a DXA scan. Energy intake and exercise expenditure was analyzed using an ESHA food analysis processor. Participants at risk for RED-S had higher occurrences of injuries (p<0.022) and lower Z-scores (p<0.063) than those not at risk for RED-S. In conclusion, athletes at risk for RED-S may have higher occurrences of injuries and lower bone mineral density.

Background Shoulder pain and injury is common in both the general population and among athletes. Overhead athletes, such as handball players, are at an even higher risk of shoulder injury. There is currently no consensus regarding how or if these injuries can be prevented.  Purpose The aim of this review was to examine whether preventive training programs reduce acute and/or overuse injuries in overhead athletes. Another aim was to examine if training programs increase the strength of the rotator cuff in overhead athletes.  Method Searches were made in PubMed, Cinahl, and Sport Discus in March and April 2021. Ten studies were included in the study. The PEDro-scale was used to assess methodological quality and GRADE was used to determine level of evidence.  Results The methodological quality was “moderate to high” for five of the studies. The remaining five studies were of lower quality. The level of evidence was “limited” for prevention and “inadequate” for rotator cuff strength.  Conclusion The evidence for prevention of shoulder injuries was “limited” and the evidence for rotator cuff strength was “inadequate”. A narrower focus on one sport might result in more robust evidence.  Keywords overhead athlete, prevention, shoulder, strength

No description available.

Current research has demonstrated that stress is a contributing factor to many chronic disease states in our world today. Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are just a few health conditions in which stress can worsen these disease states in individuals. Stress is apparent in individuals with chronic disease but can also appear in those dealing with high-performance anxiety such as student-athletes. Stress does not discriminate in how it can affect people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even though stress can affect a diverse range of people, there may be similarities among different groups affected by stress such that lessons can learn from each other. For example, research has shown the overwhelming benefits of exercise on physical health and mental health. Yet, even though athletes train consistently, they can still feel the adverse effects of stress on their mental well-being and emotional health. This feeling may be due to the pressure incited to perform at a high level during athletic events. Another adverse area of stress for athletes is the reality that their career will at some point end. This reality may be in their early 30s or 40s. The feelings of loss of purpose are common for many prior athletes and instills additional fear in navigating life direction after sports. In contrast, chronically ill patients go through different events because their stress is directly due to their illness. However, many studies reveal similarities between athletes and those who have a chronic disease regarding mental and emotional coping mechanisms for stress. This thesis addresses these similarities and discusses how both groups even though they have vital differences can learn from one another when dealing with stress.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Mental health concerns among NCAA student-athletes have increased in the past decade. Prior research demonstrates the intense environment student-athletes reside in and the negative impact it can have on one’s mental health. However, little is known about the prevalence of mental health symptoms and the choices student-athletes make in regard to their mental health. We aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes in this population and the subsequent consequences it can have on collegiate student-athletes. Additionally, we examined how the demographic characteristics and behavior factors can affect their mental health, mental health stigma, and help-seeking behavior. Our sample consisted of 236 student-athletes participating in NCAA institutions across the country, with a target audience of Horizon League competing institutions. We utilized descriptive statistics, linear regression, and ordinal regression to examine the prevalence of each predictor and outcome variable. The following scales were utilized to assess various mental health outcomes: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale (CD-RISC2). Data show that a higher cumulative GPA was associated with lower mental distress and significantly more likely to have higher resilience. Additionally, athletes who were injured, were significantly more likely to experience mental distress compared to their non-injured peers. Furthermore, cisgender females reported significantly higher mental distress compared to their cisgender male counterparts. Student-athletes reporting an increase in public stigma revealed lower mental well-being and higher levels of mental distress. These findings indicate that participant characteristics do impact the adverse mental health outcomes student-athletes experience. The public and/or self-stigma one experiences can impact the overall well-being of the individual when it comes to mental health. We recommend that future studies examine how stigma can affect the choices of how student-athletes navigate their personal mental health. Future research should investigate new ways to combat the negative consequences of mental health challenges to improve the overall student-athlete experience.

The main objective of this study was to measure the nutritional status of iron and vitamin D in varsity female athletes from the University of Ottawa and the possible relationship with their dietary patterns (mixed diet or plant-based diet). Among 63 athletes interested in participating, 17 completed the study. Nutritional intakes were assessed during sports season using two 24-hour recalls with the self-administered dietary assessment tool (ASA24). A blood sample was taken to measure indicators of iron and vitamin D status. The results revealed that 5% of the athletes suffered from vitamin D deficiency and as much as 47% had suboptimal vitamin D levels. No athletes suffered from iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but 26% had iron deficiency (ID). The vitamin D intake for 94% of athletes was below the estimated average requirements (EAR) and the use of supplements helped athletes attain the EAR. In contrast, 94% of athletes were able to meet the EAR for iron and the use of supplements caused athletes to exceed upper limits (UL). Lastly, due to the small number of plant-based athletes recruited, it was not possible to establish any relationships with this dietary pattern.