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
Las Vegas, Three Big Busses Full of Cheerleaders and Three Years of Adventures with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Since January of 2022, I (David “Dirk” Smith), have accompanied the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA) on the famous #CheerBus as they travel around to the different sports at the Sin City Classic. The purpose of the PCA and the Cheer Bus is to help raise spirits and bring energy into the different … Continue reading Las Vegas, Three Big Busses Full of Cheerleaders and Three Years of Adventures with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
Soliciting Donations, Interacting with Strangers, and Raising Money as a Measure of Sport Performance
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) A lot My primary work is in sport, specifically in sport psychology, sport science, and sports diversity. But, some of this work has also crossed over with my hobby as an amateur videographer, specifically with my time spent with the volunteer cheerleaders at the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA). … Continue reading Soliciting Donations, Interacting with Strangers, and Raising Money as a Measure of Sport Performance
Finding the “Community” within the LGBTQ+ Community, and How They Are Helping Launch My Career in Sport Above and Beyond – A Retrospective Appreciation
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc, CSCS, SDL (He/Him) A few weeks ago, I (David “Dirk” Smith), gave a presentation to a bunch of my sport psychology colleagues and peers on navigating sport as an openly gay sports professional. As anybody in the LGBTQ+ community will tell you, sport has often been unkind if not outright … Continue reading Finding the “Community” within the LGBTQ+ Community, and How They Are Helping Launch My Career in Sport Above and Beyond – A Retrospective Appreciation
Exercises and Drills for Developing Mental Conditioning in Athletes
Athletes will hit the pitch, pool, or ice to train technics and tactics, hit the gym to train physical conditioning, but where do you train the mental conditioning? How do you train the mental conditioning?
Dryland Speed and Coordination Training for Swimmers
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc, CSCS, SDL (He/Him) At the very beginning of my Strength and Conditioning career pursuits, I attended a day long workshop hosted by one of the snottiest universities I had ever been to. While I was never a student at Snooty University, I had worked there and also trained there at … Continue reading Dryland Speed and Coordination Training for Swimmers
Fit for Fat, My Story of Ü100 and Creating One of the Only Fitness Classes Specifically for Larger People
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) It is well established that the fitness industry is obsessed with weight loss and aesthetics when it comes to marketing fitness and exercise for people. The pervasiveness of fitness and diet culture has become an obsession in our modern society where a person’s physical appearance is often subject … Continue reading Fit for Fat, My Story of Ü100 and Creating One of the Only Fitness Classes Specifically for Larger People
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