The Hidden Risk of Identity Foreclosure in Youth Sports: How to Prevent It

From the article last week, we discussed what Athletic identity was and how that was conceptualized to foreclosure. This week, we will discuss foreclosure more and provide tips for parents to prevent it in their children.

According to a study by the NCAA, 45% of athletes do not know what they are going to do after they graduate. The now second cause of death in student-athletes is suicide. Sports are generally thought of as something that is inherently good and brings out the best in those who play it. If that were the case, then why do we so so many devastating numbers in elite athletes?

Professor Jay Coakley of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs calls this The Great Sports Myth. This is the belief that participating in sports will make you into a better citizen. Often when looking at sports, viewers take on an altruistic view that there can be no wrong done in these games. However, we often overlook players arguing with referees, players fighting with each other, and even the wild things that fans say to opposing players.

To be clear, I do think that sports bring a positive value to those who participate. From my worldview, I believe that it is people who have ruined and corrupted the nature of the games. No matter what the vehicle might have been, unfortunately, sinful nature will creep in and corrupt.

What does this mean for parents? This concept of foreclosure becomes important because it can be like sinking sand. The longer you are in it, the more difficult it is to get out. This should encourage parents to view sports from more of a holistic viewpoint. The earlier parents can put these measures in place and identify the signs of foreclosure, the better the experience of sport and after sport can potentially be for the athlete.

First, let’s review what foreclosure is. Identity Foreclosure in the simplest of terms is the loss of sense of self. In the athletic world, this can be due to burnout, retirement, or injury. Whether we like it or not, the end of sports will eventually come for all of us (yes, I’m looking at you LeBron James). How we handle this transition out of sport will determine how our experience of foreclosure will be.

There are many ways to indicate if a child is heading towards a negative foreclosed state. A few of them are:

1. Sports is the only topic that the child talks about

2. The child has strong emotional reactions (or overreactions) when they perform poorly. Specifically when they believe that their worth is tied into their performance

3. The have no interest in school or other activities outside of sports

4. They have a belief that sports are their only pathway to success

Last week we discussed how socialization can be weaponized to harm the athlete. To recap, socialization is outside influences that shape who you are. A common hurdle that parents must face is that at times they may be the reason why their child is struggling to adjust after sport or why their child is completely entrenched with their athletic identity. Parents and coaches, often unintentionally reinforce the idea that sports is equivalent to purpose and worth. The biggest cheers from those who we love most, can come from sports most often leading the athlete to believe that sports is the only way that they can receive love and recognition.

Instead, here is what parents can do to encourage their children in sports and lower the difficulty of their foreclosed season

1. Encourage a Well Rounded Identity

   1. Explore different avenues of life- music, art, volunteering. Find a different community to enjoy outside of the sports team

2. Promote Academic & Career Exploration

   1. Take advantage of the areas of school and academics that your child enjoys. Use this as a moment to further explore what the possibilities are if they continue to enjoy that subject.

3. Foster an Environment of Open Conversation

   1. Make room for your child to have open conversation about how they are feeling about the sport. Are they feeing burnout? Is it time to switch to another activity? These things can be found out from an open conversation.

4. Avoid Overemphasizing Athletic Success

   1. As much focus and praise that you give when your child scores in a big game, likewise, there should be celebration over big moments in school as well.

5. Prepare for (And Talk Often About) Life After Sports

   1. As mentioned before, the end of a sports playing career is inevitable. Talk about what life can look like. Talk about what your child may want to do after sports is over.

In the end, a well rounded athlete is a more holistic athlete that eventually learns how to handle difficult seasons in life better. I encourage parents and coaches of young athletes to evaluate how specifically you are approaching sports as many times, you mold the experience that they will have.

P.S.- If you are a parent, coach, or even an athlete that is interested in furthering the discussion about athletic identity and wanting to learn more about the purpose of sport, please reach out to me. I have exciting opportunities in the near future that I am working on to address these issues and help others see the redeeming qualities that sports has to offer.