Children are a special group of athletes, as they are less mature and less aware of their personal responsibilities due to their age. Mental development, personality traits, and emotional intelligence continue to develop in humans until the age of 18-20, which is why specialists who work with young athletes need to have a special approach when training them.
RUSADA, in collaboration with the Association of Sports Psychologists, has developed a list of practical recommendations for those involved in training young athletes:
- When discussing anti-doping with children, focus on the importance of health, honesty, and respecting themselves and their opponents.
- Take into account the age and emotional state of the athlete. As younger the athlete is, as more gentle and precise the information should be presented.
- Create a space for questions and discussions – children often feel afraid to ask questions about anti-doping, so conditions are created for the emergence of fears.
- Explain the key rules for collecting samples for doping control – how the rights of athletes are respected and how to behave to avoid violating the rules. Help children manage anxiety, teach them breathing techniques, visualization, and self-regulation exercises. Be prepared to support your minor during a real doping control procedure.
- Work with the parents of athletes – it is important that they, as the closest people to the athletes, know the anti-doping rules. But support and unconditional love should always be the main priority of parents.
- Include special games and activities in sports training to help form an anti-doping culture among children.
Remember that anti-doping education is not only about compliance with the rules, but also about caring for the mental health and well-being of young athletes.
Participants in the Russian Forum "Win Fairly! Anti-Doping in Youth Sports" will have the opportunity to learn more about the specifics of anti-doping education for young athletes and attend a master class on "Psychological Tools for Monitoring the Condition of Young Athletes: Anti-Doping in Youth Sports", which will take place on April 10-11 in Tambov.