Coaches Assocation of Ontario

Coaching Athletes with Asthma: What You Need to Know

Did you know?

Several of Canada’s Olympic athletes have asthma and can still successfully compete in their chosen sports? Having asthma does not mean you cannot exercise, but people with asthma are often afraid of experiencing exercise-induced flare-ups

Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. There is some degree of inflammation in the airway most of the time, which can, if left untreated, lead to one or more of the following symptoms: asthma

- Coughing

- Wheezing

- Chest Tightness

- Shortness of breath

Even though the airway inflammation is always present, the symptoms may come and go depending on the level of inflammation. Exposure to allergic triggers or physical activity can increase inflammation. Fortunately this can be treated so that symptoms are minimized and the athlete can participate in most physical activities.

Exercise-Induced asthma can occur after approximately 10 minutes of vigorous physical activity or following the cessation of activity. It is more common when activity is done in cold environments and during high pollen count days. Often the symptoms can be prevented by using the reliever inhaler 10-15 minutes prior to exercise.

Exercise when an athlete is already experiencing coughing or difficulty breathing can lead to a severe asthma attack.

What can I do if I coach athletes with asthma?

Dave Nichol Named Coach of the Month

coach_Nichol If you were to ask Woodstock’s David Nichol what it means to him to be a coach you would get a world class response: “I believe being a coach is about creating opportunities for athletes, working with them to improve their skills, and most importantly, helping them to believe in themselves and their teammates.”

June’s Ontario Coach of the Month, David Nichol, is currently a teacher at East Oxford Central School where he devotes the majority of his free time to coaching team and intramural sports. With a long history of sport involvement through out his life, when Dave began teaching in 2003 his involvement and passion for coaching only grew.

Celebrate Recreation & Parks Month By Taking Fundamental Movement Skills

Kids_Running June is Recreation & Parks Month so why not join the celebration by taking NCCP Community Coaching Course Fundamental Movement Skills! This workshop is designed to teach leaders of youth a process they can use to analyze and improve a child's movement pattern along a development continuum. The workshop is open to parents, coaches and youth leaders interested in helping children ages 3-12 develop physically through play and sport. Click here for a list of courses.

To meet the Ontario Government's strategy of getting kids active, the Ministry of Health Promotion is subsidizing this workshop in communities across the province. The course fee of $35 includes manual/resources and accreditation in the National Coaching Certification Program.