The Facts:
Exploring the Facts.
After hearing all of these stories, I placed them into pie charts to make them easier to visualize. Towards the bottom, there is a section with all of the positives athletes mentioned, as well the negatives.
DO YOU THINK THAT JUDGED SPORTS ARE FAIR?
The Question:
Do you think that JS. are fair to athletes?
At the end of each interview, I asked athletes, parents, and officials the question, "Do you think that judged sports are fair to athletes?” Only a select group said yes, with many citing the fact that they are unfair to everyone, but that in that, everyone is on a level playing field.
More Info On The Data:
The Maybe’s & No’s.
Those who said maybe or unsure thought that judged sports were at least partially fair, and those who said “no” fully believed that judged sports were fair to athletes.
"It's really hard sometimes when you think you did well, but you end up placing really badly...There are a lot of things that are just completely out of your control, that can be completely frustrating"
Addie
Irish Dancer
JUDGED SPORTS HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON MY MENTAL HEALTH…
The Question:
Have JS. had a significant impact your mental health?
Most participants found that “yes” JS did have a large impact on their mental health. Some said “maybe,” meaning that it had a partial impact but that they wouldn't consider it significant. Finally, some said “no” JS. didn’t have an impact on their mental health.
The Postive:
Creativity —
Artistry
Atheles said that they can express themselves deeply via their routines.
Variety — Innovation
JS. Encourages atheles to push the boundaries, to do things that have never been done before.
Discipline—
Dedication
Like most sports, judged sports reward discipline and dedication, which can make them highly rewarding.
Fun to watch—
Exciting & Engaging
JS. are exciting to watch, and a part of that stems from the uncertainty.
“I've always enjoyed being judged because it allowed me to rein in my focus. I didn't have to focus on all the little factors. It was ‘okay, I've got this one thing to do, and I know how to do it. I've done it a hundred times, and if I do it the way that I'm supposed to, I'm going to get a good score.’”
Teddy Kust
Men’s Gymnast
The Negative:
Perfectionism
High Standards
Perfectionism can lead athletes to unhealthy ends, pushing their bodies to the max even when young and still developing.
Body image issues Shaming.
Often, in these sports, some bodies are valued more than others. This can lead to negative feedback from adults around the athletes.
Anxiety
Fear & lack of joy
Judged sports often go hand in hand with anxiety because they have the added element of uncertainty.
Depression Sadness/hopelessness
The effects of JS. can be profound and can compound in severe mental health problems.
