It is easy to get wrapped up in the routine and schedules of practices, games, competitions, school work ect. However, it is important to be sure that you are checking in with your athlete on a regular basis. Sitting down with them to discuss how they are doing and feeling not only about their participation in sport, but school and other activities as well. Are they feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? Are they enjoying their activities? Burnout is very common in athletes and needs to be carefully monitored, not only for their success in the sport, but for their quality of life. If burnout or its beginning stages goes unnoticed and changes are not made, it can manifest in a variety of ways including taking a toll on their health.

     Burnout is defined by Raedeke as, "a syndrome of physical/emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation, and reduced athletic accomplishment." Thus, these physical and emotional stresses can come from overtraining, changes in an athlete's physical regimen, pressures to perform applied by their family, social circles, coaches, or self, having too many things on their plate including school work, or a combination of social, physical and emotional stresses. A common stressor in youth athletes is the feeling of not being allowed time to find themselves a role in social circles, or not having enough time to be a kid and be with friends. This can turn into negative emotions and attitudes toward the sport participation that is keeping them from that. Recognizing symptoms early on can make a world of difference.

     There is a fine line between challenging an athlete and pushing them over the edge. It is important to check in with them verbally, as well as observe them, as some athletes may not even be aware themselves that they are having trouble handling everything on their plate. Ask your child how they are handling things. Are they enjoying it? Are they putting too much importance on certain outcomes? Look for changes in mood, eating, and social behaviors. Do they seem unmotivated or withdrawn? Have they lost interest? Look for opposite reactions as well such as over anxiousness or lack of a level of seriousness that indicates a lack of enjoyment.

      If burnout goes unnoticed and no changes are made your athlete may cease to excel or go further in their sport, experience depression, or even experience health issues or injury. Steps for prevention from parents and coaches include being aware of the optimal amount of "pushing", showing support for your athletes efforts, be sure to separate roles from coaching and parenting, understand your athletes perspective and feelings, be sure there is a two way line of communication, and value the athletes input and involvement. Be sure that your athlete is playing for their own reasons, that they are enjoying it, that they have a good life balance, and that there is time for rest.

       If burnout has already begun, take time off, back off a training regimen, remove one or more activities from the schedule so that they may socialize or have time to cope with emotional stresses, or practice relaxation skills such as deep breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation. As a family, release any extraneous pressures put on the athlete, perhaps lessen your involvement for a short time, help them with relaxation techniques, and show your support for their well being. Get the coaches or parents support in these actions as well. Sport should be a positive experience with a multitude of personal growth and lessons learned. Take the proper actions to protect your child from burnout.

We are here to keep you informed.  If you have any information that you would like to share with our readers, please email me at:  [email protected]