ABSTRACT

This study explored the experiences of Football Managers and coaching staff in providing care for footballers who are deselected from an elite Australian football (AFL) team and chose to continue playing at the semi-professional state-league level. Deselected athletes are particularly vulnerable to difficult transitions because they have little control over the timing of their retirement. A narrative inquiry was utilised to explore four participants’ experiences in providing care for Australian footballers who have been deselected from the elite competition and who have returned to state-based leagues. Three themes were identified in the data; the need for care; more than football and under-resourcing. In line with Nodding’s notion that the “carer must act” it was established that football clubs have a duty to care for footballers and encourage the holistic development of the whole person. Resourcing is a major barrier in the ability to create caring environments in state-based football clubs.

摘要

本研究探讨了足球经理和教练组为被选出澳大利亚精英足球 (AFL) 球队并选择继续在半职业州联赛级别比赛的球员提供护理的经验。被取消选择的运动员特别容易受到困难过渡的影响，因为他们无法控制退役的时间。一项叙述性调查被用来探索四名参与者为被取消精英比赛并重返州联赛的澳大利亚足球运动员提供护理的经历。数据中确定了三个主题；需要照顾；不仅仅是足球和资源不足。根据诺丁的“照顾者必须行动”的理念，足球俱乐部有责任照顾足球运动员并鼓励整个人的全面发展。资源配置是在州立足球俱乐部中创造关爱环境的主要障碍。