Social Work's Role in Athletic Recruitment: New Opportunities for the Profession

Abstract

The authors conducted a preliminary study, which asked if social worker support could assist elite level hockey players during the recruitment process to higher levels of play.  The intent was to determine the potential need for professional social workers in sports, and particularly in areas where athletes and their families may face critical decisions regarding the future. Respondents were asked about the recruiting process, what difficulties or successes they encountered, and if a social worker could have made the process more constructive and  positive for the athlete. The responses of 21 current and former hockey players, collected through convenience sampling, are included, and analyzed, regarding their experiences during the recruitment process. The study population comprised former collegiate or professional hockey players who were recruited to play at college, Major Jr. A, or professional leagues. All participants agreed that partnering with a someone in a helping capacity, such as a social worker, would have helped them navigate the various pitfalls and obstacles of the recruitment process, and would have been valuable allies and supports during their decision-making period. Implications for practice as well as suggestions for future study are offered.