An Introduction to

       Sports Chaplaincy

          @

     Loughborough University

   1.      Introduction

The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the potential of Sports Chaplaincy at Loughborough University.

A growing number of professional and amateur sports clubs and teams are benefiting from chaplaincy under the aegis of SCORE (the UK’s sports chaplaincy network).  The chaplaincy role varies according to the requirements of the organisation in which it functions.  Loughborough University has entered into a partnership with SCORE and, in June 2008, appointed the Revd Mary Vickers as ‘Visiting Sports Chaplain (SCORE)’.

Sports Chaplaincy at Loughborough is primarily aimed at the care and welfare of athletes and sports staff.  However, Chaplains can also provide a number of other benefits as explained below.  Chaplaincy is for all, not just for those who share the same faith convictions and is definitely not about imposing the Chaplain's beliefs on others.

At Loughborough, Sports Chaplaincy is offered to the University as a whole, as well as to individual teams and sports clubs as requested.  It is also available to other sports related organisations located on campus.  Chaplains are expected to demonstrate integrity, work professionally, care sensitively, and maintain confidentiality.  To function effectively, chaplaincy requires an understanding of the agreed role and tri-partite commitment involved (Club/Team, Chaplain, and SCORE) to that role.  This document seeks to clarify the role and facilitate this partnership.

2.       Chaplaincy - A Universal Service

Chaplaincy exists across a wide range of sectors including the emergency services, hospitals, local authorities, education, manufacturing, retail, and financial services.  Although there are full-time Chaplains, many chaplaincy roles are part-time with the Chaplain being supported by, as well as working for, local churches.  Chaplains are often members of a professional group or association and are trained to deal with a wide range of issues, particularly pastoral issues (e.g. stress, change and uncertainty).  As Loughborough’s Visiting Sports Chaplain, Mary Vickers is part of, and works alongside, the University Chaplaincy Team.

3.      Sports Chaplaincy - A National Network

SCORE is a registered charity whose role is to develop high quality chaplaincy within the sports context.  It provides training, resources, sharing of best-practice and supervision for a national network of Chaplains involved in a wide range of sports including football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, athletics, and horse-racing.  Additionally, SCORE has provided chaplaincy to many major sporting events including the 2000 World Rugby League Finals, the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

SCORE works to satisfy the chaplaincy needs of sports clubs and teams by identifying suitable local clergy and preparing them for that work.  The three-way relationship between Club/Team, Chaplain, and SCORE is based on a clear ‘code of practice’, describing the principles and expectations on which the relationship is built.  SCORE seeks to ensure that sports clubs and teams can have confidence in the integrity and professionalism of their Chaplain, and provides a point of contact for any issues that may arise.

4.      Sports Chaplaincy - The Role

Sports Chaplains seek to serve in the way that is most appropriate for their setting.  As a result, the role of Chaplain varies accordingly.  However, the following 'A to G of Sports Chaplaincy’ helps define what the role normally involves.

a)     Acquaintance

Becoming acquainted with athletes and staff, developing natural relationships, and building trust is foundational to the whole chaplaincy role.  This requires regular, natural interaction between Chaplain, athletes and staff and takes time to develop.

b)     Being

Being there as and when events take place develops shared experiences.  This goes beyond acquaintance, and comes through being present at a variety of events (training, matches, social events) which often provide good opportunities for conversation.

c)     Care

Caring for athletes, staff and their families is an important

  aspect of chaplaincy.  This includes day-to-day care as well as supporting athletes through life events (e.g. injury, bereavement, retirement).  For this to take place, effective communication of events and needs is essential.

d)     Development

With younger athletes, it is important to provide for their personal development.  The provision of life-skills training, help with integration into the wider community, and advice on the preparation for 'life after sport' are areas where chaplaincy can be involved and is able to add value.

e)     Events

Chaplaincy should reflect the highs as well as the lows of people's lives and should be about celebrating life.  This may involve the Chaplain in special occasions or seasonal events as appropriate.

f)      Formality

In a more formal capacity, the Chaplain can provide a vital and recognisable link with the community.  As well services in which Chaplains are involved (e.g. Remembrance Day, Christmas), they can assist clubs and teams with safety and disaster procedures, write articles for programmes, newsletters, etc.

g)     God

Whilst Chaplains are motivated by their faith, they are available to all people irrespective of faith convictions.  Chaplains should be pastorally proactive, but spiritually reactive; ensuring that they do not impose their beliefs on others.  (Divine intervention on results is not part of the Chaplain's role!)