Planning for life after sport: a win-win for athletes and sports organizations

Athletes often view career planning as a distraction rather than an investment. With so much time, energy and commitment going into competing, is there any space left for planning for life after retiring from sport? And is it always a good idea?

The answer is overwhelmingly ‘yes!’. And not only is it a good idea for athletes, but for sports organizations too – by which we mean federations, associations, leagues, clubs, athlete unions and organizers of mega sporting events.

Everyone wins

It’s easy to see why athletes may avoid thinking about life after retirement – and why sports organizations may be tempted to discourage it: not only can retirement be a daunting prospect, but planning for it while still competing may be perceived as an unnecessary interruption from the laser-focus commitment to sport that is required of elite athletes.

Our experience and the evidence suggest that that’s not the case. Research reveals that planning for retirement while still competing can actually enhance and improve an athletic career. A recent study by Dr David Lavallee analyzed data from 632 rugby players in Australia and New Zealand over three years; it found that players who engaged with pre-retirement planning actually had greater success in the form of team selection, the number of years they were contracted by their team and the overall length of their career.

A holistic approach makes the difference

So, how can sports organizations utilize these benefits? Different organizations will have different relationships with their athletes, but there are some fundamental strategies that can change the game when it comes to preparing athletes for life after sport.

• Formalize athlete career transition planning: research shows that the earlier athletes start career planning, the better their outcomes. Sports organizations can help the process by implementing career transition services and programs into their standard offerings.
• Map the journey: athletes are used to structure and meticulous schedules. Sports organizations can make the most of this by providing athletes with journey maps, which plot the steps between now and future career success.
• Involve the entourage: it’s vital that sports organizations involve entourage members in the career transition process. Dedicating time to non-sporting activities, such as a dual career, while still competing is crucial to a successful career transition, but it’s less likely to happen without a supportive entourage.
• Prioritize mental wellbeing: up to one in five athletes suffer from a mental health issue after retiring. Organizations can incorporate formal wellness frameworks into their programs, which will not only safeguard athletes’ post-retirement wellbeing but will likely improve their performance on the field of play.

Helping athletes prepare for success

Sports organizations can help educate athletes and make them aware of the potential challenges career transition might present. Athletes look to their sports organizations for guidance, meaning they have a unique opportunity to encourage athletes to develop life and employment skills outside of sport.

Sports organizations can raise awareness of career transition programs and strategies, provide opportunities for career development, and encourage athletes to focus on non-sporting identities. And remember – career transition doesn’t mean athletes have to leave sport: organizations can benefit by keeping athletes in the sports system as coaches and administrators, where they can bring invaluable experience and skills.

Ask the experts

You probably wouldn’t advise an athlete to take on a non-specialist as a coach, and the same goes for their career off the field of play. Investing in professional career transition services can make the difference when it comes to helping athletes prepare for retirement.

Research has shown that athletes have a wealth of unique and transferable skills that are in high demand by employers. Career transition experts can help athletes and sports organizations make the most of that potential by showing how athletes’ skillsets can put them on the path to success in a range of other careers.

Supporting athletes prepare for their future careers outside of the sporting world

We explore how athletes can prepare for a new career outside of their sporting achievements. For many athletes facing the end of an athletic career, retiring and moving onto a new career can be a daunting prospect. With expert insight, we look at the psychological and practical factors that athletes need to address to achieving future career success. Download athlete career transition white paper here.

If you’re looking for resources or advice on how to help your athletes with pre-retirement planning, we can help. Get in touch here or explore our various pre-retirement planning services on our website.