When we think of sports safety, we remember the rules for staying hydrated during practice, wearing the proper protective gear, and knowing when to cool down to prevent sickness when playing in the heat.
What we don't talk about is how to protect athletes from disgruntled fans who harass and injure them in response to their performance.
Below we discuss inappropriate behavior from fans to avoid and why it's important to be familiar with various personal safety options.
The Ugly Side of Sports Fans
There are numerous accounts online of sports fans harassing and even assaulting in response to their play during games. These verbal and physical assaults are a common sight at away games as passionate fans root for their home team to win.
Players are demonized, their humanity forgotten, as spectators treat sports games as a modern-day gladiator fight. Fans have been banned from stadiums for screaming racist epithets, spitting on, and throwing food at players from the stands. They see athletes as performers rather than regular people doing their jobs.
Sports fans do not have the entitlement some may believe they have over the body and performance of well-known athletes. This means athletes, regardless of gender, size, or age, need options to stay safe. Click here to learn more about how you can keep yourself or other athletes safe in the face of danger.
The Importance of Personal Safety
Personal safety is seen as the general identification and active avoidance of any potentially harmful persons or situations. Personal safety for athletes can include using self-defense products or knowledge that can protect them from becoming the victim of an assault on the street or at a game.
Athletes can have the upper hand in strength and agility, but that doesn't mean they are free from the threat of injury. They tend to be more at risk than the average person because of their public persona, meaning the public recognizes them anywhere they go. Many people have opinions about their lives, potentially making them vulnerable to violent attacks from strangers.
Self-Defense Options
Taking self-defense classes, using safety apps, or carrying tasers, stun guns, or peppery spray are a few non-deadly options to protect oneself. It's important to be aware of any laws and regulations when carrying and using these products.
Additionally, the athlete should learn how to safely use these items before carrying them. Don't assume anyone will be prepared to properly use it when facing a dangerous situation. Verify that any resources or classes attended are credible. A nice website and some basic online research are not enough to make the material authentic.
Knowing how to stay safe when threatened with violence does mean that knowledge will be put to the test, but it's important to be ready just in case.
Continuing to Stay Safe
Being a professional athlete is a tough but rewarding job. Long hours practicing and many days away from home can add to the strain of injury. Being in the public eye adds to the scrutiny that players may already face on the field or court.
Self-defense is a rarely talked about form of sport's safety. Protecting players from becoming victims of violence should be at the forefront of player safety. The verbal and physical assault many athletes have endured from fans or strangers is why players should be aware of their safety options.
Every athlete should have either knowledge or a device to promote their safety when it comes to being safe when no one else is around to protect them.
