Pressure and anxiety are nothing new to student athletes, but in the past these struggles were almost exclusively tied to athletic performance. Whether it is trying to make a team, crack the starting lineup, or play well enough to be selected All-Conference, anxiety related to performance is something every student athlete inevitably confronts at some point in his or her career (if not on and ongoing basis). This year, however, normal anxiety is compounded by a new, contemporary stressor: the ongoing pandemic.
Added pressure on top of pressure to succeed
Student athletes regularly deal with pressure, from performing on the field to excelling in the classroom. While those pressures still exist, a new, pandemic-related stress has emerged as health/safety anxiety. The uncertainty we are experiencing right now is impacting all student athletes, regardless whether they are starters or the least skilled players on the team. Student athletes are not sure the likelihood they will contract coronavirus, the severity of symptoms, how contagious they will be to others if they do become infected, and what long-term consequences loom for their health years from now? Student athletes are also not sure if their school will field a team this year, and if so, for how long until they have to shut down? They are also left to wonder if the schools they will compete against are taking safety measures seriously, and if not, what increased risks they might face without even knowing?
Ideas to help student athletes lower anxiety
At this point it is safe for athletic directors and school leaders to assume most student athletes are confused and nervous about playing this year. It is important to not lose sight of these uncertainties, even when student athletes appear to be enthusiastic to play again. Below are a few ideas for school leaders to help student athletes stay healthy and positive during these trying times:
- Provide regular communication. Stay connected to kids regularly to provide updates, as well as discredit rumors. Promote the philosophy of safety first, and your commitment to only playing a season based on safety and not any other factors. It is also encouraged to provide ways for student athletes to comment and provide feedback relating to their feelings of playing again, as this not only empowers kids, but also provides important information for school leaders.
- Be honest. While kids may not want to hear their sports season may not occur, it’s far better to level with them than to create a false sense of hope based on what you want to happen, versus the daily coronavirus updates that might suggest otherwise. Listen to state leaders, and paraphrase as necessary so that the kids you coach understand that these decisions go far beyond the leaders at your school.
- Breakdown groupthink. Groupthink is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. For example, if your team leaders and captains are overt about their strong desires to play this year, it is quite possible that other, less decorated team members will simply go along with that thinking, even though they feel quite the opposite. Two ways to mitigate groupthink include talking to kids individually and privately, and/or solicit their opinions in an anonymous manner.
- Provide unconditional acceptance. While some kids are excited to compete again, others are very worried about compromises to social distancing and increased risk for infection. It is important that we respect all kids, regardless of their thinking, and show extra sensitivity toward those who are all “team,” but worried about their health. Make sure that the kids unsure about playing right away are not ridiculed or teased, but respected for their position — even if it is different from others on the team.
Final thoughts
These are challenging times for all of us right now, especially student athletes uncertain of the risks they might face as competition resumes this fall. While some kids will openly voice their concerns, many others just as worried will not out of fear of looking weak, or not entirely invested in the team. Remember, this new health/safety anxiety is an added layer to the typical performance anxiety most athletes already experience, leaving kids with even more to deal with when it comes to staying mentally healthy and strong.
drstankovich.com
athletes, Coaching, health, kids, mental, pandemic, parenting, safety, schools, student, toughness
