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NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers Tips on how to positively intervene • Approach your athlete sensitively and in private, while being as direct and straightforward as possible; use “I” statements to cite the evidence you see for disordered eating and the impact of his or her behaviors on both individual and team performance, while also expressing your concern for the athlete’s health and well-being. • Do not judge or criticize your athlete. The goal is to help the athlete tell his or her parent/caregiver about the disordered eating, if he or she has not already done so. • Seek help as soon as possible. Make a prompt and appropriate medical referral to a healthcare specialist familiar with treating eating disorders (e.g., physician, therapist, eating disorder specialist or dietitian). Voice your concerns to a responsible family member or caregiver and to the school’s student assistance program or health services. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and decreases the likelihood of serious or long-term medical and psychological consequences; left untreated a problem that begins as disordered eating may progress to an eating disorder. • Be prepared for denial. Many people with eating disorders and disordered eating do not recognize that they have a problem, or they suffer from intense shame about their behaviors. Many will insist that nothing is wrong with them. Encourage a medical workup regardless–the worst that can happen is that they see a physician. • Encourage your athlete to seek treatment. Ideally, an athlete can stay involved in his or her sport while seeking treatment; however, when their physical health is at risk, be prepared to encourage the athlete to abstain from participation until they are given a doctor’s permission to return to sport participation. Consider the whole person when making decisions about an athlete’s level of participation in sport: physical, emotional and mental health. • If your athlete is unable to follow treatment recommendations, consult with the treatment team about suspending participation until the athlete is willing to comply. This course of action may seem harsh. Tell the athlete that the suspension may feel like a punishment but is actually a protective action to guard against possible physical and psychological harm. It is a communication that says that health is more important than sport. Even though this communication is a positive one, it still should be approached cautiously. Reassure the athlete that his position on the team will not be jeopardized by seeking treatment. • Be open and cooperative with the treatment team. The most effective treatment for an eating disorder is to utilize a collaborative treatment approach consisting of a team of health professionals (e.g., physician, therapist or dietitian). As a coach, your support of, trust in, and cooperation with the team’s treatment plan will be critical to your athlete’s successful recovery. • As a coach, your involvement and positive communications are very important for your athletes. Be a source of support. Try to maintain open lines of communication with athletes dealing with eating issues and support them in their recovery. Ask them what they need and what might be helpful in their recovery. Be as sensitive and understanding as possible. With adolescent athletes, be alert to changes in self-esteem that can make their recovery effort more difficult. Page  | 30