https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx How might an athlete’s performance and health be affected after encountering a form of abuse? en-us 2017-01-18 20:20:02 UTC 2017-01-19 01:50:58 UTC hello@padlet.com rubal_s https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147946393 Athlete’s are known to be strong. They overcome the impossible and set examples for many. They work hard to stay fit, both mentally and physically, and receive help not only from their fans but also their teams. The people that are constantly surrounding an athlete are the ones responsible for the health of an athlete. However, this may be the opposite for some. Some athletes have received the other end of the stick and have instead struggled with their inability to appease their family or team. An athlete’s performance and health can be affected by physical/verbal, sexual and childhood abuse.

]]> 2017-01-18 20:24:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147946393 rubal_s https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147946541 Everyone has encountered some sort of bullying in their lives. It is something that could be done verbally and physically. For some, however, it could be more severe and could go as far as being called abuse. Athletes must be able to withstand a lot of stress because they are expected to perform to the bests of their ability. They are pushed past their limits to achieve great things, yet sometimes the people that watch over them, whether that be their parents or coaches, actively put more stress on the athlete by abusing them. A study showed that 14 retired, elite, female swimmers were emotionally abused by their coaches. The severity of the abuse depended on their performance and it lasted for years (Kerr and Stirling, 2007). The pressure to perform well increases immensely when external pressures are not dimmed. Effects of long-term emotional and/physical abuse can lead to depression and low self-esteem (Patterson, 2015). Wanting to do well and being constantly criticized for incompetence not only lowers self-esteem but also the quality of their performance. 

]]> 2017-01-18 20:25:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147946541 rubal_s https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147970839 A growing issue in the world, one that, much like verbal and physical abuse, has been existing for a long time. Sexual abuse can affect a person’s mental capability to perform tremendously. Many athletes are sexually abused by their coaches or teachers, because they trust and respect them. This allows the coaches to get close to the disciple. A recent confessio left many astonished, because the confession was made by a man rather than the expected woman. Steve Walters, a retires soccer player for Manchester United, told the world about his past experience with sexual abuse. He stated that, at the age of 12, he was sexually abused and was told to perform sexual acts on his coach. This lasted until he was 14. He says that he has suffered panic attacks for many years following, because he could remember it clearly (Taylor, 2016). Though his performance was consistent, he was affected, deeply, mentally. Having to recover from something such as that at a very young age and alone had taken its’ tole on him. However, not all are lucky enough to be let go after a year of abuse. The psychological consequences could be more severe such as social embarrassment and anxiety, relationships with family and friends could differ, and alcohol/drug use (Hlimi and Parent). Mental illnesses, such as mentioned, could affect an athlete in forms of eating and sleeping disorders. If the mind and body of an athlete are not healthy, neither is the athlete. ]]> 2017-01-18 22:52:46 UTC https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147970839 rubal_s https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147982975 It is said that the younger generations will lead the world into a bright future with all the new technology coming out. As parents, children’s well being is extremely important, so that they can enjoy a healthy life. This is not the case for most young athletes. Being an athlete under the supervision of their coach, negative comments can affect their mental structure. Coaches have a job to discipline their athletes, however, not in a way that will break them. Coaches abuse young athletes by demoralizing, threatening and encouraging them to become violent against their own teammates. They also blame athletes for being selfish and “[having] no commitment to [their] team” (Cribb). That sort of behaviour overall discouraged team members to continue playing (Cribb, 2010). As young people, athletes cannot fight back because they lack experience and authority to do so. Moreover, commenting harshly and “critiquing their game, they are going straight for the kids’ character. After practice, that kid may doubt [them]self, which will make [them] play worse during the next practice” (Hartnett). Parents cannot do anything about this issue because “[t]here’s no physical evidence, and phrases can be altered to mean something completely different than initially intended. There are no official laws against it unless it’s taken to an extreme” (Hartnett, 2015). Words cut deeper than a sword. They are able to leave deep scars, whereas a physical wound can heal overtime. Insulting comments on an athlete’s play can negatively affect their passion for their sport and therefore their performance. ]]> 2017-01-19 01:50:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rubal_s/tvtce1rjtcx/wish/147982975