OP-ED - Time To Get Into the Game: Social Work and Sports Activists

by Leon Banks, Ph.D., MSW, and Anna Scheyett, Ph.D., MSW

     Professional and amateur athletes have a long history of social activism and protest. We have seen numerous powerful and symbolic actions by athletes. Who can forget Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s bowed heads and raised fists as a salute to black power on the winner’s podium at the 1968 Olympics? More recently, the world has watched NFL protests of racism and police brutality, which began when Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem. Many athletes are using the status and influence accorded them by their star status to protest injustice and bring attention to the profound problems of racism, violence, and discrimination in our society.

     It is puzzling that social work, a profession committed to social justice, has not vocally supported and joined with the protests of these athletes. Social workers and athletes have historically not often worked together. Social workers may sometimes have been dismissive of the perceived frivolity, physicality, or aggressiveness of sports. However, it is time to collaborate for social justice--we would make a powerful team. These star athlete activists have a passion for addressing injustice and a breadth of visibility inaccessible to social workers. Social workers have advocacy skills, an understanding of policy, and knowledge of effective programs that promote well-being. Together, we could be an indefatigable force for positive change. 

     As social workers, it is time to reach out to our fellow activists in the world of sports, to offer our skills and dedication in partnership, and to work together to shine a light on injustice and make change happen. We need to lock arms, and get in the game.

Leon Banks, Ph.D., MSW, is the Director of the BSW program and the Director of MSW Admissions at the University of Georgia.

Anna Scheyett, Ph.D., MSW, is Dean and Professor at the University of Georgia School of Social Work. Her practice and research have focused on community integration of vulnerable adults, and she is a founding member of the National Alliance of Social Workers in Sports.

Leon Banks and Anna Scheyett will be presenting at the 3rd Annual Social Work in Sports Symposium on October 17, 2017, in Dallas TX. Their talk is titled Get in the Game: Social Work’s Responsibility in Supporting the Athlete Activist.