The Sport Chaplain's Role in the Holistic Care Model for Collegiate Athletes in the United States

Abstract

More than 460,000 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student–athletes compete in twenty-three sports each year. These student–athletes receive a spectrum of services that include academic support to medical care. This paper examines the role and function of sport chaplains who work in a collegiate (colleges and university) athletics in the United States. The role of the collegiate sport chaplain in the provision of holistic care in a collegiate athletics environment is examined. Additionally, a conceptual model of holistic care is presented that includes traditional and emerging parties in the chain of care. More student–athletes are aware of the importance of spirituality in their lives, and the role of the sport chaplain's ministry becomes increasingly important to the individual player and the team. Finally, a practical theology of sport chaplaincy includes the primacy of the ‘shepherding’ function in the holistic care model.