www.sportgvp.eu Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them (Project Number: 101133538). ● Goal: Start by asking the athletes about their goals. For example, “What do you want to achieve this season?” This sets a clear direction for the conversation. ● Reality: Next, explore the current situation. Questions like “What challenges are you currently facing?” help identify obstacles. ● Options: Discuss potential strategies and solutions. Ask, “What options do you have to overcome these challenges?” ● Will: Finally, encourage commitment by asking, “What will you do to move forward?” This reinforces accountability. Statistics on Mentorship in Sports The coach-athlete relationship lies at the heart of effective coaching (Haugan, 2021). In the context of sports coaching, Gilbert (2016) claims that “the most effective coaching strategy for building and sustaining a quality coach-athlete relationship is communication”. Therefore, the impact of mentorship in sports is supported by statistics. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, athletes with mentors were 30% more likely to achieve their goals compared to those without mentorship. Informed and sensitive communication strategies Addressing GBV in sports requires informed and sensitive communication strategies. Here are key approaches for sports professionals: ● Educate Yourself: Understand GBV's forms, causes, and impacts. Familiarise yourself with resources like UNESCO and UN Women's Handbook on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport, which offers comprehensive strategies for addressing GBV in sports contexts. ● Use Inclusive Language: Communicate with empathy, avoiding blame. Utilise gender-inclusive terms to ensure all individuals feel respected and acknowledged. ● Tailor Messages to Your Audience: When speaking to athletes, emphasise respect and accountability. For broader audiences, highlight the role of sports in promoting positive societal change. ● Highlight Positive Examples: Share stories of athletes and organisations actively working to prevent GBV, demonstrating the positive impact of proactive engagement. ● Create Safe Spaces: Encourage open discussions about GBV, allowing individuals to share experiences and seek support without fear of judgment. ● Focus on Prevention: Implement educational programmes that raise awareness about GBV and promote a culture of respect and equality within the sports community. Athletes' growth and performance can be significantly impacted by sports mentors using the effective approach of asking the correct questions. Athletes can be guided toward self-discovery and progress by mentors who use structured frameworks such as the GROW model, create a safe space for discourse, and use effective questioning strategies. The case studies and statistics presented, demonstrate the significant impact of mentoring in sports and reinforce the idea that asking the correct questions can have life-changing results. In the end, sports mentors who are adept at inquiry will improve their athletes' performance while also promoting their success and general well-being. You can also have a look into this article that shares 7 tips on improving team communication in sports coaching.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzYwNDE=