Disordered Eating

For Athletes

For Coaches

BASH Action Plan

Educate Yourself

Talk to your school’s athletic trainer or visit www.nationaleatingdisordersassociation.org to learn more about the warning signs, your role in initiating a conversation about your concerns, and how to get your athlete help.

Address the Athlete

Talk to your athlete and their parents about your observations and concerns. Be sensitive to their feelings but also honest about your concerns. The sooner they get care the more likely they are to successfully recover.

Refer them to a Health Professional

Eating Disorders can only be diagnosed by doctor or mental health professional. They will know how to best assess and treat the athlete. Your school’s nurse, guidance counselor, or athletic trainer should be able to help you connect the athlete with a doctor.

Follow Up

Check in with the athlete on how they are doing.

Disordered Eating

"The sports culture, with its emphasize on optimal body size or shape for optimal performance, is many times an influencing factor in developing such a condition. Athletes are also at a higher risk than the rest of the population to suffer the harsh consequences of eating disorders. They already exercise heavily, so their bodies are depleted sooner and their health heavily tested and challenged. Athletes, along with their families and coaches, must recognize the problem and take timely action against eating disorders, not only because these can bring athletes to a state in which they can longer perform, but also because these conditions are deadly."