Alberta Schools' Athletic Association - Mental Health Supports for Student Athletes

The Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) initiated two impactful projects through the Safe and Welcoming Grant, focusing on mental health supports for student athletes.

1. New Athletic Director Retreat: The ASAA organized its inaugural New Athletic Directors' Retreat on August 22, 2023, recognizing the high turnover rate (~25%) among athletic directors. The goal was to equip new directors with essential tools, enhance efficiency, and reduce stress, thereby promoting stability in school sports programs. The retreat featured presentations by experienced directors, a mental health workshop, and collaboration with the CIAAA to develop a dedicated module on Mental Health for Athletic Directors. Valuable insights highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions, leading to the decision to make the retreat an annual event in late August.

2. IMPACT Student Athlete Leadership Conference: The 6th annual IMPACT Student Athlete Leadership Conference, held in May 2023, marked a return to in-person gatherings after the pandemic hiatus. The conference aimed to cultivate leadership, mental health awareness, respect, and positive values among high school student athlete leaders and advisors. Noteworthy workshops covered areas such as character development, sportsmanship, mental health, sports nutrition, adaptive physical activity, coaching, and sport psychology. The conference emphasized the crucial role of mental health, featuring Sports Psychologist Dr. Karen MacNeill, who shared experiences from working with Team Canada at the past five Olympic Games.

Key Learnings:

1. New AD Retreat: The importance of new athletic directors interacting, sharing challenges, and building strategies became evident. Face-to-face interactions were valued, leading to the decision to make the retreat an annual event in late August.
2. IMPACT Workshop: The significance of bringing people together after a three-year hiatus was realized, fostering networking and friendships. However, cost considerations prompted a reassessment of the conference location, with a potential shift to an online format in 2024, returning to an in-person model in 2025 with adjusted budgeting.

The ASAA's Mental Health Supports for Student Athletes initiative has proven instrumental in equipping athletic directors and student leaders with tools, knowledge, and networks to promote mental health, leadership, and positive values within Alberta's school sports community. The commitment to annual events and adaptability to changing circumstances underscore the association's dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive athletic environment.