The Athlete's Role and Responsibilities
By Manuel Narvaez
Being an athlete is not just about winning games or competitions; it also comes with significant responsibilities. Athletes are judged not only by their performance on the court or field but also off it. Kids and peers view them as role models, hence the importance of building positive relationships in sports. In this blog post, I will discuss in the athlete's role and responsibilities in building positive relationships in sports, including their influence on others, the benefits of their cause, and their behavior on and off the court. I will also provide tips on coping with wins and losses, creating an athletic portfolio, and avoiding negative behaviors.
"Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." - Nelson Mandela
Section One: The Athlete's Role and Responsibilities
As an athlete, you have a significant role in building positive relationships in sports. Your peers view you as a role model, especially kids who look up to you. Hence, it is your responsibility to set an example and positively influence them. Your behavior and actions on and off the court reflect your cause for being in sports. It is crucial to know the benefits of playing sports, such as staying healthy, building solid social relationships, developing skills and confidence through successfully executing improved skills, making healthy choices, and learning valuable life skills. Being academically excellent is also essential as your behavior at school reflects how much you value yourself, care about your future, and honor your parents or guardians.
Additionally, how you interact at home and in groups and the time you spend on non-added value activities, reflect your projection of your future. Studies have shown that spending too much time playing video games, being stuck in the digital life, and engaging in activities that affect your neurochemicals can leave you feeling stagnant, tired, worried, depressed, and hopeless. "Excessive screen time can lead to addictive behaviors, social isolation, and increased stress and anxiety. These psychological implications can have a detrimental impact on young athletes' mental health and overall well-being," (Getphysical.com, 2004). Find more about the effect of lack of screen time Here.
Section Two: Coping with Wins and Losses
Coping with wins and losses is essential to building positive relationships in sports. As an athlete, you may experience a slump in your game that may lead to negative self-talk. It is essential to have a more objective and optimistic self-dialogue and understand that wins and losses are a part of any sport. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies can be helpful in such situations, not just in the field but also at school and home. When athletes engage in constructive self-dialogue, it allows them to develop resilience and a mindset that is open to growth and introspection. This positive internal communication can help them overcome challenges and setbacks that they may face in their athletic journey. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool that athletes can use to navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming emotions that can arise in sports. This structured framework can provide athletes with valuable techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may impact their performance. Please read more about CBT Here.
In addition to mental health, nutrition is also essential for athletes. Proper nutrition is crucial for peak performance and expedited recovery, allowing them to perform at their best during training and competition. A well-balanced diet can help athletes maintain their energy levels and increase their endurance, while also reducing their risk of injury and illness. Athletes should prioritize consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods to support their overall health and athletic performance. Eating healthy and staying hydrated is essential for athletes to perform at their best, as it helps them maintain energy levels, recover faster, and reduce the risk of injury.
Section Three: Building an Athletic Portfolio
Building an athletic portfolio is a great way to start college recruiting efforts early. As an athlete, you need to know what colleges you want to attend and direct your efforts towards those schools by making periodic contacts. The best recruiting person who can assist with college scholarships is yourself. You need to be registered to the league you wish to attend, such as NCAA and NAIA, and a record of your academic and athletic ventures will be assessed. Be careful and thoughtful when reclassing, it is a strategy used by many players to dominate more in their competencies. However, scouts and coaches will see how the system was used and if you truly needed it. The NCAA has newer regulations regarding age, grade level, and credits that will affect reclassing players. Find more information about regulations and contact periods at the NCAA Here and free NCAA eligibility training Here.
Reflective Questions for Athletes:
What kind of impact do you have on your peers?
How do your actions on and off the court reflect your cause for being in sports?
What kind of non-added value activities do you engage in, and how do they affect your dreams?
What kind of coping mechanisms do you use to deal with wins and losses?
How can you create a positive athletic portfolio for college recruiting efforts?
What are the consequences of reclassing?
How can you avoid negative behaviors, such as rumors and performance-enhancing substances?
Self-Assessment Questions:
Do I behave well at school and home?
What can I do to be a better role model?
How can I improve my academic performance?
What steps can I take to avoid negative behaviors and activities?
What are my goals for my athletic career, and how can I achieve them while staying true to my values and priorities?
Self Assessment Scale:
Use this scale to rate yourself on the question above:
1 - Needs Improvement
2 - Average
3 - Good
4 - Very Good
5 - Excellent
Self Positive Dialogue Statements:
I strive to always act in a way that aligns with my values and beliefs, even when it's difficult.
As for holistic conduct, I believe that my actions do have an impact beyond just myself and try to consider the bigger picture.
When it comes to aspirational alignment, I am constantly reassessing my goals to make sure that they are in line with my long-term aspirations.
As for the resilience quotient, I have been working on developing coping mechanisms to help me better navigate the ups and downs of life.
For recruitment readiness, I have been doing my research and reaching out to coaches to prepare for the possibility of playing at the collegiate level.
In summary, the athlete's journey is replete with challenges and opportunities, each imbued with the potential for growth and self-discovery. By embracing the mantle of leadership and stewardship, athletes can catalyze transformative change, both within themselves and the broader community. Through unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity, they can transcend the confines of the playing field, leaving an indelible legacy that reverberates for generations to come.
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