Knowing about the impact of a menstrual cycle on a participant doesn’t just help coaches improve performance. Changes to an otherwise steady cycle can be an indicator of a change in health that a participant may need support with.
"Supporting participants to keep track of their cycles is something that can provide an early warning system if anything changes – our first priority is their safety and physical well-being. With Laura sharing the data her app gives her, we can feel confident as a team that we are supporting her to reach her best and managing her training in the right way."
Swansea are setting a clear example of the importance of self-education to further help and protect participants.
Leading the way on coach-athlete conversations to prioritise physical well-being, Swansea’s team is calling on coaches across the UK to test their knowledge of Duty to Care and learn more about they can evolve their coaching and deliver the best support for everyone they coach.
Andy reiterates the impact of both a simple conversation and building trust when it comes to tackling topics like menstruation.
"The advice I would give to other male coaches is simply to speak to your athletes, and understand what they feel comfortable with. The more you can work on your communication, the more female athletes will feel at ease to come to you with any issues they have."
Describing herself as “fortunate to be in an open environment where it’s easy to talk to all my coaches about menstruation”, Laura has reaped the benefits of coaches who are open, communicative, and willing to learn and is calling on all coaches – and more young males in sport – to educate themselves and open that all-important dialogue: