Talks with trauma experts and experienced sport development workers have made it clear that there is no ready-to-use method for working with sportspersons with a trauma. Every situation and every individual is unique. However, the talks did produce a number of useful tips that can offer the sport development worker support while in the field. These cover a broad terrain: some are aimed at working specifically with sportspersons who have a trauma; others apply in a more general sense.

Categories

We have subdivided these tips in a number of different categories:

• Knowledge of and sensitivity towards the cultural context in which you work
• The use of the word 'trauma' in the field
• Be yourself!
• Know how to react
• Tips for effective communication
• Essential relational skills
• Sports and games

Mark Bulthuis

Jo Verhaegen