As an elite athlete, you need to plan ahead and build relationships with all the people who can help you. This may include your coach, manager, lecturer, or family and friends, especially during competition periods, travel, exams, or semester obligations.

We provide you with an overview of the types of issues you should address while preparing for this.

Start early

When the academic year or semester begins, it is important to have a clear understanding of the sports commitments that await you during that period.

Although these may change over time, early preparation can ensure that you have a clear idea of the type of support you may need from your coach or teachers.

Know your school/university obligations

As soon as your courses and classes for the semester are determined, review your schedule and compare it with your sports commitments.

Since there are strict deadlines for obtaining course approvals and signatures, it is important to complete these as early as possible to ensure you have enough time for everything planned.

Your sports obligations should be determined by your coach.

Identify overlaps or periods of overload

If you are forced to miss lectures or classes because of your sports commitments, it is important that you can still collect all the necessary information.

This may include online research, obtaining lecture notes, or building connections with classmates to get copies of the required material.

Planning and communication are key to success.

Make sure you understand your professors’ expectations regarding attendance, participation, and assignments.

Many lectures and course guidelines include specific grading criteria, whether for attendance, active participation, or completing regular tasks.

Make sure you address all these issues and identify alternative options available to you, including missing a limited number of classes or completing assignments earlier or later.

In many sports, the busiest part of the year overlaps with exam periods or other important deadlines.

It is important to be aware of these challenges and explore alternative options, such as changing assignment deadlines or taking exams remotely.

Make contact in advance

Early contact with lecturers or teachers will ensure they are informed in time and may be able to make adjustments, exceptions, or special arrangements for you.

It is also important to carefully consider this process and try to find solutions, rather than only focusing on problems.

If you show that you have thought about and planned for this, the school or university will be more willing to support your needs.

Ask for help

Do not forget that you have a support team to help you. This includes not only teachers and lecturers, but also coaches, family, and friends.

Stay in touch

Maintain regular contact with your support team. This will help build strong relationships and ensure they can support you when needed.

Be a good communicator.