The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport was in Thunder Bay recently to present interactive workshops for coaches, parents and young athletes on building positive body image and self-esteem while balancing healthy eating and activity.

Here are the BODYSENSE tips for promoting positive body image in athletes:

• Be a positive role model in your attitudes, values and behaviours on the topic of food, weight, and body image.
  
  
• Accept the varied and natural weight range, size, and shape of athletes' bodies.
  
  
• Celebrate and compliment positive qualities of who an athlete is rather than how she performs, or what she looks like.
  
  
• Make athletes of all shapes, weights, and sizes visible (in sport photos for example).
  
  
• De-emphasize weight by not weighing athletes, comparing athletes' bodies, or commenting on body size and shape.
  
  
• Know the warning signs of negative body image and disordered eating and get help when requested.
  
  
• Have a zero tolderance for teasing and discrimination, including body size discrimination.
  
  
• Speak positively about bodies, food, weight, and shape.
  
  
• Be aware that negative comments have the power to impact an athlete for life.
  
  
• Help athletes focus on their abilities rather than their appearance.
  
  
• Teach that skills learned in one sport can be applies to other sports.
  
  
• Say "yes" to earing food in all food groups in accordance with Canada's Food Guide and "no" to restricting foods or dieting to change body weight and shape.
  
  
• Teach athletes that their bodies will gain weight, grow, and change during puberty.
  
  
• Create time and places for athletes to eat and drink fluids.  Make energy-packed food and drink available.
  
  
• Allow athletes equal playing time.
  
  
• Invite experts to deliver positive messages and answer questions about nutrition, body image, competition, body composition and performance.
  
  
• Make individual and confidential help available.
  
  
• Have up-to-date books, pamphlets, and Internet sites available for parents, coaches, and athletes on the topics of positive body image, nutrition and disordered eating.

Questions? Call 625-5968 or visit Bodysense.ca

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