Education and Training - Further information
Please note that all the information that you are reading is just that; information. Sporting Chance has no opinion or judgement of those who use alcohol, drugs or gamble. We are not ‘anti’ alcohol, drugs or gambling, but have experience of their negative effects, specifically in the lives and careers of footballers. Our aim is to educate on how alcohol, other drugs and gambling effect the brain, behaviour, body and performance. We will explore lifestyle choices and risks facing a young professional footballer. We hope that you can then make more informed choices in relation to yourselves, career and the use of these substances.
Warning Signs for Team-mates and Managers:
We believe that we have a responsibility to support individuals going through difficulties in this area, so we offer education and information about warning signs and when and how to help. We hope as individuals you can make better choices for yourselves but also as a team-mate to someone with a problem.
- Sudden outbursts of anger and aggression. Irrational reaction to ‘normal’ situation.
- Vindictive and dangerous tackles during training, often aimed at younger squad members.
- Late for training and meetings.
- Abusive and blaming when confronted.
- Deteriorating personal hygiene, dishevelled look.
- Endless line of excuses (some more plausible than others) as to why responsibilities aren’t being met.
- Money going missing. Arguments between players about debts.
- Smoking and drinking despite the consequences on his ability to perform.
- Attracts ‘hangers-on’ who fill him with a false sense of worth. They use drugs and he is tempted.
- Becomes more paranoid, short tempered and bullying.
- Aims to embarrass others in his jokes and acts more out of character. Is inappropriate and acts like the prankster.
- However - he can give it but he can’t take it.
- Fitness deteriorates as does health and ability to recover from knocks. He may sustain mystery injuries.
- Performance level drops, but there is an arrogance with it.
- As coaches try to work with him the situation worsens.
How to Help:
- They will be prepared for attack so be gentle, caring and kind.
- Be clear what your intention is. You are offering support because there is clearly an issue.
- Point out their attributes and positively affirm them. Highlight any achievements but need to note the decline.
- Feedback to them changes in behaviour that you have noticed. Comments from other players or staff.
- Never directly blame misuse of substances but highlight any known examples and also reiterate that it could be a factor.
- If they open up take the time to listen without offering a ‘fix.’ Try to understand the person and explain that many people react to such circumstances by gambling. If appropriate you may share some personal experience.
- It is important not to lose sight that this has now affected the person’s work...therefore it has affected you as an employer. The person needs to be held accountable for their responsibilities. If the substances are not a problem then it won’t be a problem to control them with regards to work...would it?
- If controlling or giving up is too much for them alone would they like to speak to someone?
- There is then a great opportunity to create a new and appropriate agreement which hopefully offers the person suffering the difficulty support but which benefits both parties.