Coaching THE HEALTHY SKATER Skaters At-Risk
Basics of Creating a Healthier Rink
In part II of a new series of articles on eating disorders and their effect on the
figure skating community, the EDGE looks at specific steps that skaters, coaches and rink personnel can take to build a body-positive ice arena.
I
n a study published in the International Journal of Sports Psychology, a group of female pair and dance figure skaters were asked to fill out the Eating Disorder Inventory, a
questionnaire used to assess the presence of eating disorders. After reviewing their answers, researchers found that the skaters’ scores more closely resembled those of an eating disorder population than those of non-athlete girls of similar age. Whether these results come as a surprise to readers or not,
they demonstrate that the figure skating community has room to grow when it comes to raising skaters with healthy body image and eating habits. Coaches and skaters can both take actions to create a skating community that discourages eating disorders and instead promotes mental, physical and nutritional well-being.
In addition to creating a warm and open environment, rinks can support healthy skaters by providing and/or encouraging nutritious food options. Some skaters are at the rink for hours with access to only a concession stand or vending machines. Arena managers might consider stocking healthier food options like granola bars and fruit.
Building a Healthy Rink As the home away from home for many skaters (and coaches!), the ice arena itself is an important place to start when it comes to building an atmosphere that promotes health and well-being. Despite its icy and cold climate, an ice arena should exude
a warm and inviting atmosphere. It already holds the unique privilege of being a place where people go to do something they love and to work off stress — a great starting place for creating a welcoming setting. Building a strong team-based spirit can help, too. Figure skaters are oftentimes individual athletes, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be encouraged to work together and support one another. Coaches and arena staff can help foster a friendly environment by establishing open communication. Easy access to coaches and arena staff allows skaters and parents to bring up questions or concerns they might have. In addition to creating a warm and open atmosphere, rinks
can support healthy skaters by providing and/or encouraging nutritious food options. Some skaters are at the rink for hours with access to only a concession stand or vending machines. Arena managers might consider stocking healthier food options like granola bars and fruit. Or, rinks can bring in a nutrition expert to lead a seminar on packing healthy snacks from home.
What Coaches Can Do Sometimes, coaches joke that half their job is playing the role of psychologist – and in many ways, it’s true. Tese men and women might be the only person a skater opens up to about their life outside of skating, especially during testy teenage years. For that reason, it helps for coaches to be educated in the basics of physical and mental health so they can recognize an eating disorder and its symptoms and risk factors (for example, depression and anxiety).
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ISI EDGE SPRING 2016
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