Sport Social Work: Beyond the Playing Field

Sport Social Work is becoming a powerful force in the field of sport and recreation. Social workers are leaders in infusing teams and programs with empowerment, self development, and inclusion, This workshop we will explore how social work values, concepts and interventions on both the micro and macro level enhance sport and recreation services. Specific strategies such as strength-based coaching, team building, conflict resolution, family collaboration, diversity training, community development, advocacy, and social policy will be discussed. Model interdisciplinary programs serving at-risk youth, members of the LGBT community, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other special populations will be highlighted. Participants will learn how to apply the social work competencies of engagement, assessment, intervention, research, social and economic justice, human behavior in the social environment, social policy, and evaluation in sport social work practice. Clinical social work concepts from Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-focused strategies, and Adventure Therapy will be discussed. The workshop with use a variety of engaged learning strategies including discussion, guest lecturers and activities.