Other highlights: Sports Development - a new training programme has been launched to support leadership in British sports clubs;
Sports Medicine - could text messaging be used to improve the registration of injuries?
Active Communities - research into the links between Maori cultural well-being and participation in sports.
In this edition
Sport New Zealand
Awards recognise 800,000 sport volunteers – 18 Jun 2012
Sport New Zealand is encouraging Kiwis to say thanks to the 800,000 volunteers who help make sport possible in this country. Each year volunteers give 50 million hours of their time to helping others enjoy sport. But it will only take a minute to thank them with a nomination in the Sport Volunteer Awards. (Sport NZ)
2012 Hillary Expedition Grants available for Kiwi adventurers – 8 Jun 2012
Kiwi adventurers are being given the chance to turn their dreams into reality by applying for Sport New Zealand’s Hillary Expedition grants. Sport NZ Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin says the biennial Hillary Expeditions are a great opportunity for adventurous Kiwis to follow in the footsteps of the programme’s namesake, Sir Edmund Hillary. (Sport NZ)
High Performance Sport
Triathlon New Zealand high performance review tabled – 12 Jun 2012
Triathlon New Zealand has tabled its independent review into the Triathlon High Performance Programme, a document commissioned by the organisation to ensure it remains at the global leading edge in producing elite triathletes who in turn will be successful at pinnacle events. The full review document can be found by following this link. (Triathlon New Zealand)
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Quarterly Report – June 2012
This quarterly update explains the latest budget position as at June 2012, and outlines that the London 2012 programme is on track and within budget. This is the last report before the London 2012 Games and reflects on what has been achieved. (UK Department for Culture Media and Sport)
Ban them from Olympic Movement, says Oswald after London 2012 ticket allegations – 17 Jun 2012
Any official found guilty of selling tickets on the black market should be banned from the Olympic Movement, claims Denis Oswald, the head of the London 2012 Co-ordination Commission. The International Olympic Committee has launched an investigation after the Sunday Times claimed that 27 officials and agents, representing 54 countries, were prepared to breach strict regulations on ticket sales for London 2012. (Inside the Games)
Australian Olympic athletes to benefit from AIS recovery expertise – 9 May 2012
A replica of the Australian Institute of Sport’s state of the art recovery centre will be set up in an East London school during the coming Olympic Games to give Australia’s athletes access to world’s best practice recovery strategies and techniques. (Australian Institute of Sport)
Ground breaking wind tunnel work helps Australian track cyclists – 12 Jun 2012
The highly-rated Australian men’s pursuit track cycling team has conducted ground-breaking wind tunnel analysis in their quest to win gold at the upcoming Olympic Games in London. A collaborative partnership between the Australian Institute of Sport, Cycling Australia and Monash University has enabled Olympic cyclists and coaches to examine rider by rider aerodynamic interaction by reconfiguring one of the largest wind tunnels in the southern hemisphere. (Australian Sports Commission)
International Paralympic Committee publishes Sochi 2014 qualification guide – 31 May 2012
The International Paralympic Committee has published the Qualification Guide for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. The event, which will take place between 7 and 16 March 2014, will feature a maximum of 692 athletes competing in 72 medal events across five sports. This will make it the biggest Paralympic Winter Games ever. (Paralympic Movement)
Compact design for PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics nears completion – 8 May 2012
A design-build team is putting finishing touches on facilities at the heart of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics site, smoothing the way for Korea's first Winter Games. (World Architecture News)
IOC selects three cities as candidates for the 2020 Olympic Games – 24 May 2012
The International Olympic Committee has announced that Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid have made it onto the shortlist of cities bidding to host the 2020 Olympic Games. The Candidate Cities were accepted from among five Applicant Cities, which also included Baku and Doha. (Olympic Movement)
Sports Development
World Anti-Doping Agency Revised Code published as second consultation phase starts – 1 Jun 2012
WADA has launched the second consultation phase of the Code Review Process which offers WADA signatories, stakeholders and athletes worldwide a second opportunity to submit recommendations to strengthen the Code. The draft of the revised World Anti-Doping Code can be found by following this link. (World Anti-Doping Agency)
Club leaders creating better business skills for sport – 15 May 2012
10,000 British community sports clubs have the chance to develop better business skills thanks to Sport England’s innovative new programme, Club Leaders. Providing free training and support to those doing the day-to-day running of community sport, Club Leaders will help create a robust, economically sustainable and enterprising club network. (Sport England)
The Canadian code for volunteer involvement – 2012
The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement marked its 10th anniversary in 2012. To recognise the milestone, Volunteer Canada updated the Code to reflect the current volunteering context in Canada. Revisions take into account the shifting realities of today’s volunteers and current volunteer engagement practices. The Code outlines the values, principles, and standards for effective volunteer practices within organisations. (Volunteer Canada)
Australian budget delivers good news for the Active After-school Communities programme – 29 May 2012
The May Federal Budget has delivered some good news for communities involved in the Australian Government’s Active After-school Communities programme, which will continue throughout 2013. The funding is largely focused on grassroots participation and high performance programmes. (Australian Sports Commission)
All Whites' World Cup legacy lives on at grassroots – 9 May 2012
Brazil 2014 may already be on the horizon but the legacy of the All Whites’ 2010 World Cup campaign lives on, with future football stars through to struggling rural communities the latest recipients of funds their success in South Africa generated. (New Zealand Football)
New Zealand Rugby Union 2012 Annual General Meeting – 24 May 2012
New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Mike Eagle has thanked New Zealand for backing the All Blacks and ensuring Rugby World Cup 2011 was a huge success. His speech can be found by following this link. The NZRU’s 2011 annual report is available by following this link. (New Zealand Rugby Union)
Former Football Fern signs on for national development role – 14 May 2012
Former Football Fern Emma Humphries will take over responsibility for the continued growth of women’s football in New Zealand after being appointed to the role of Women’s Development Manager at New Zealand Football. (New Zealand Football)
Rugby World Cup executive heads New Zealand’s ICC Cricket World Cup team – 29 May 2012
A key figure in New Zealand’s 2011 Rugby World Cup has been appointed Head of New Zealand for the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2015. Therese Walsh, who was Chief Operating Officer for last year’s Rugby World Cup, has started work and will be based in Wellington. (New Zealand Cricket)
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport - Improving the quality of life for all in the UKs Overseas Territories – March 2012
This publication outlines how the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport supports Overseas Territories within these fields. The United Kingdom has responsibility for 14 Overseas Territories. (UK Department for Culture Media and Sport)
Sport Science, Medicine and Coaching
Identifying excellent coaching practice along the sporting pathway – April 2012
Results from a research project that examined the views of coaches and participants (from children to elite level) within one sport on what they considered was excellent coaching practice. The report shows the similarities and differences in coaching practice along the pathway and suggests ideas for future case studies. (Sportscoach UK)
Subjective beliefs among sport coaches about communication during practice – 6 Jun 2012
This article looks at subjective beliefs among Scandinavian sport coaches about what they consider to be effective communication during practice. A sample of 36 opinions about different underlying aims for communication, and how this affects athletes’ abilities to understand better, to perform better, and/or improve their focus was presented to 23 sport coaches from different top level sports. (Scandinavian Sport Studies Forum)
Practicing field hockey skills along the contextual interference continuum: a comparison of five practice schedules – June 2012
This study investigated the effect of five practice schedules on learning three field hockey skills. Fifty-five pre-university students performed a total of 90 trials for each skill under blocked, mixed, or random practice orders. Results showed a significant time effect with all five practice conditions, leading to improvements in skills acquisition. (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)
Mechanisms of cervical spine injury in rugby union: a systematic review of the literature – 29 Feb 2012
This review investigates the primary mechanism of cervical spine injury in rugby. A comprehensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken and concluded that it is unlikely that the majority of injuries occur after hyperflexion of the neck. It appears more likely that they are the result of buckling of the cervical spinal column. (British Journal of Sports Medicine)
Text messaging as a new method for injury registration in sports: a methodological study in elite female football – 17 March 2012
Methodological differences in epidemiologic studies have led to significant discrepancies in injury incidences reported. This study evaluated text messaging as a new method for injury registration in elite female football players and compared this method with routine medical staff registration. (Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports)
Perth's defibrillator initiative to prevent sporting tragedies – 17 May 2012
Under a new programme recently launched in Western Australia advocating for the early use of defibrillation in sport, Perth Football Club became the first in the state to purchase a defibrillator to ensure sudden cardiac arrest tragedy is prevented. (Sports Medicine Australia)
Effect of betaine supplementation on cycling sprint performance – 3 Apr 2012
Betaine is a nutrient found in a variety of animals, plants, and micro-organisms. It is a component of many foods, with whole grains, spinach, shellfish and beets being rich sources. This study examined the effect of betaine supplementation on cycling sprint performance. (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)
Bananas are as beneficial as sports drinks – 29 May 2012
Bananas have long been a favourite source of energy for endurance and recreational athletes. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and other nutrients, and are easy for cyclists, runners, or hikers to carry. Research conducted at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab has revealed additional benefits. (Newswise)
Active Communities
Links between Maori cultural well-being and participation in sports: a literature review – 2012
This literature review explored various dimensions of the relationship between participation by Maori in sports, the creation and maintenance of sustainable cultural infrastructures, and the contribution of these elements to an enhanced sense and practice of cultural identity. (Te Kaharoa)
The Auckland Plan - Auckland’s recreation and sport – March 2012
This portion of the Auckland Plan outlines the council’s priorities in expectation that Aucklanders will continue to have access to exciting and innovative opportunities to participate and achieve in recreation and sport. (Auckland Council)
Netballers treated to an early opening of five new courts at Mercury Bay Sport Park – 5 Jun 2012
Netballers were treated to an early opening of five new netball courts at the Mercury Bay Sport Park earlier this month while work continued on the impressive new facility at the entrance to Thames. (Thames-Coromandel District Council)
Proposal to lease Nelson Park for hockey turf – 18 Apr 2012
An application from the Poverty Bay Hockey Association to lease part of Nelson Park has been received by Gisborne District Council. The application signals a significant milestone in this long-standing project. The plan is to build one water-based synthetic hockey turf, a pavilion and a warm-up rink. The lease would also include an adjacent area to build a second turf at a later date. (Gisborne District Council)
Proceedings of the fourth Australian cycling conference – February 2012
This conference took the theme of Cities for Cycling and is designed to showcase the latest in cycling research, planning and practice. The conference is of national significance as it is the only forum in Australia to have as a core aim providing a forum for the presentation of rigorous research to inform cycling policy, programs and projects. (Australian Cycling Conference)
Amputee athletes push physical boundaries at unique clinic – 5 Jun 2012
A diverse group of young athletes came together recently for a common purpose: to participate in UCSF’s Amputee Comprehensive Training programme at the Orthopaedic Institute, where they pushed themselves further than they had ever imagined possible. (University of California San Francisco)
Recreation
Department of Conservation statement of intent 2012–2017 – May 2012
This document sets out the longer term directions for the department, as well as the management actions that will be undertaken in 2012. It includes a section on increasing the number of people who participate regularly in outdoor recreation activities. (Department of Conservation)
Success for New Zealand delegation at adventure tourism safety meeting – 5 Jun 2012
Two New Zealand delegates travelled to Seoul, South Korea, to work on an international standard for adventure tourism safety. The decision to participate stemmed from a Cabinet recommendation in the Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Commercial Sector Safety Review. It was felt that New Zealand's involvement in an international standard for adventure tourism would bring benefits to the New Zealand sector, as well as give New Zealand an opportunity to share its expertise of adventure tourism activities. (Outdoors New Zealand)
Improvements to pool lifeguard qualifications and new register – 8 Jun 2012
Following an industry survey in February and March this year, Skills Active and NZRA are improving the rules and requirements of the Pool Lifeguard Skills Award and Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate qualifications. This document outlines some of the changes. (Skills Active)
More Wellington Parks Go Smoke-Free – 7 Jun 2012
All Wellington City sports parks and playgrounds are to become smoke-free areas as the Council moves to support the Government's goal of making New Zealand smoke-free by 2025. The Council's Strategy and Policy Committee has unanimously agreed that all of the city's 43 sports parks, 104 playgrounds and seven skate parks should be smoke-free. (Wellington City Council)
Cycle trail upgrade to benefit wheelchair users – 17 May 2012
Families with young children and off-road wheelchair users will enjoy greater access to the iconic backcountry of the St James Conservation Area, thanks to a project initiated by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson. (Department of Conservation)
Park improvements and park activity- a natural experiment – 8 May 2012
In this study, researchers examined whether improvements to parks increased use and park-based physical activity of users. They found significant increases in the number of visitors and levels of exercise undertaken at one park after the facilities had been upgraded. (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)
Young People
Children & Nature Network grassroots leadership survey – April 2012
This survey was conducted to learn about efforts under way in communities throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to reconnect children and families with nature. (The Children & Nature Network)
Real-time head acceleration measurement in girls’ youth soccer – June 2012
This study collected real-time head acceleration data for soccer impacts during girls’ youth soccer play. Linear and angular head accelerations were collected during girls’ youth soccer scrimmages using a wireless head acceleration measurement device. After field data collection, each individual impact was analysed. (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise)
The effect of the STAR Sportsmanship education module on parents’ self-perceived sportsmanship behaviours in youth sport – May 2012
This study examined how the STAR Sportsmanship education module, which educates parents on sportsmanship concepts in the context of youth sport, affected parent behaviour with respect to their experience of their child’s sporting endeavours. (Journal of Sport Administration and Supervision)
Teach your kids to be good sports – 27 May 2012
Parents form the backbone of junior sport: coaching, managing and helping out on the field and in the club. While their role is invaluable, every parent whose child plays in a team has an important part to play because the way kids act on the field can be a mirror image of how their parents act on the sidelines. (body+soul)
Waiswim inspires skills and safety – 30 May 2012
Many year 3, 4 and 5 rural students in the Waimakariri and Hurunui Districts have Waiswim to thank for their growing confidence in, on, and around the water. Waiswim provided learn-to-swim instruction to 1,881 year 3 and 4 students overs its first three terms. The Waiswim programme was developed in response to alarming statistics: around 105 New Zealanders die in the water every year. (Sport Canterbury)
Celebrations for Queen's Diamond Jubilee continue through sport – 7 Jun 2012
The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust has announced that the International Development through Sport charity, in close partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, will convene and lead delivery of the Young Diamonds project, one of the “six themes for six decades” that will represent and celebrate the Queen’s sixty-year reign. Sport has been chosen because of the power and appeal it has to inspire and empower young people. (UK Sport)
Sport England initiative gets more teens playing sport – 30 May 2012
More than 80,000 British teens and young adults have been inspired to get active in the first nine months of the Sportivate initiative, receiving coaching in an activity of their choice. In the past three months alone, almost 50,000 14 to 25 year-olds have taken part. Hundreds of the young people who completed their sports course and continued to play sport for at least three months will receive free Olympics and Paralympics tickets. (UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Pupils get a golden lesson in sprinting – 12 Jun 2012
150 school children from York have participated in sprinting master classes with Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener. Sport Week uses the excitement of the London 2012 Games to inspire young people to do more sport. The initiative, run in partnership with Youth Sport Trust, is part of the London 2012 Get Set+ education programme, supplying schools, college and local authority education providers with resources, ideas and opportunities to help them make the most of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (UK Youth Sport Trust)
Useful Weblinks
Canadian Sport for Life Resources
This site provides a variety of resources that will increase your knowledge and understanding of long-term athlete development and other topics, including a sport parent's guide.
Australian Play by the Rules
This site provides news, resources and free online training to assist sport and recreation clubs and administrators, officials, coaches, players and spectators to keep sport safe, fair and inclusive.
Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand
The Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand is an advocate for the common interests of the "million or more" New Zealanders who fish, shoot, tramp, ski, climb, walk, mountain bike, photograph or relax in New Zealand's great outdoors. This site provides news, discussion on current issues and resources among other things.