By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Photo Credit: Cheer San Francisco Growing up in the USA, my education journey through school and university always had a mark for school spirit and identity shaped by a school mascot and colors. We had fight songs, cheers, chants, traditions like homecoming and such. Much of it wrapped … Continue reading We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!: Influence of the Audience Effect on Athletic Performance
Mental Health, Wellbeing, Participation, and Performance in Sport
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) World Mental Health Day is recognized every October 10th toward raising awareness on mental health and help mobilize efforts to support mental health. This is important for overcoming social stigmas surrounding mental health to ensure that everybody is able to develop knowledge and awareness surrounding issues affecting mental … Continue reading Mental Health, Wellbeing, Participation, and Performance in Sport
Game Theory in Sports: Lessons from the Battle of the Sexes
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) In my “Women in Sports” class, we recently had a presentation and discussion on Billie Jean King and the famous “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between her and Bobby Riggs. In short, as a retired tennis pro, middle age, self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” challenged Billie Jean King, … Continue reading Game Theory in Sports: Lessons from the Battle of the Sexes
Scales of Goals: A Cyclical Periodization Approach to Goal Setting and Maintaining Accountability
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) There is no love loss for goal setting in the field of sport and exercise psychology. Even further, the entire foundation of sport and exercise, as a field of science and as a multi-billion-dollar industry is all about setting goals. From weight loss goals to achieving medals, establishing … Continue reading Scales of Goals: A Cyclical Periodization Approach to Goal Setting and Maintaining Accountability
Coaching Sport Psychology + Strength and Conditioning: Perceived Focus as a Driver for Athlete Buy In and Performance Output
By David Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him)Both Strength and Conditioning as well as Sport Psychology, as fundamental components of athletic development, are still struggling to find their footing in sport. While any athlete and coach, especially at the elite level will tell you, the “mental” aspect of performance is the key to achieving success. Despite this, … Continue reading Coaching Sport Psychology + Strength and Conditioning: Perceived Focus as a Driver for Athlete Buy In and Performance Output
How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
By David Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Humans, regardless of gender identity, are designed to move. It is within our very nature as a species to be active and express ourselves through movement. When you look at the vast number of ways that humans have developed different ways to move, you’ll realize that physical activity is … Continue reading How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Social Identity in Sport
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) IDABHOBIT celebrated every May 17th is a day to promote awareness, education, and advocate for action against prejudice and discrimination against the LGBTQI community. Sport is oft considered unfriendly toward LGBTQI people. While progress has been made, discrimination and prejudice is still very much present as well as … Continue reading International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and Social Identity in Sport
When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) The most common element when it comes to developing grassroots inclusive sport structures is building a “safe space” type of culture that is free from judgement, prejudice, and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people, especially trans/nonbinary and POC experience. Sport has long been an institution that is founded and … Continue reading When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
Athlete or Performer? Basics of Performance Psychology
What's the difference between an athlete and a performer? Well, not much really but at the same time, there's a lot different. An "athlete" a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise whereas a "performer" is a person who executes a skill or a talent in front of an audience. … Continue reading Athlete or Performer? Basics of Performance Psychology
One Week, 20 Students in a Small German Town and a Big Finish – My First Experience Teaching with the Studienstiftung
As part of my graduate school goals and pursuits has been to gain valuable teaching experience at the college level in order for me to be better prepared for a career in collegiate teaching and academia upon graduating. This has been easier said than done as I’ve overcome various challenges and barriers to achieve the … Continue reading One Week, 20 Students in a Small German Town and a Big Finish – My First Experience Teaching with the Studienstiftung
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