The power of words
A reminder that what we say matters
January is here. This time of year is when messaging around body image and diet culture is at it’s peak.
The effect of this is often spoke about in relation to women and girls. No one is immune however, it can affect anyone of any gender. We can’t shield players or ourselves from it.
Prior to the Christmas break, I spoke to players at training. We gathered together in a circle and I discussed diet culture, social media and body image. I said that the period after Christmas is often filled with toxic messages and how we can all be affected by them.
I reinforced to the players that food is fuel and the holiday period is a time for everyone to enjoy themselves. When we return back to regular training, our sessions are for fun and learning. It is not for ‘burning off mince pies’.
This may seem like a simple statement, it is not. Explicitly outline that training is not to burn off food or to make players feel guilty for eating. Instead it is to provide a more positive energy: learning and enjoyment.
Reinforce the pre-Christmas chat with players upon their return after the holiday break can help, as well as posting it in any group chats you may have with players.
The same messaging also applies to any recruitment posts. Advertising a team now can take advantage of people wanting a new challenge for the new year. Avoiding negative tones whilst promoting a team can help reinforce anything you tell current members of the team.
Here are 3 ways you can help battle the negative body image messages:
Speak to players face to face about training’s purpose.
Reinforce this by posting it to the player’s group chat.
Avoid diet culture messages in your New Year recruitment posters.
Further reading:
https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-022-01845-4