Teammates spend a lot of time together, so they are well placed to pause and intentionally check in with someone, especially if they’ve noticed something that makes them wonder how their teammate is going. Checking in with a teammate isn’t about identifying problems or assuming something is wrong, but about showing care and support through the normal ups and downs of sport and life.
What does supporting a teammate look like?
It involves small, genuine acts of care and often begins with noticing. A teammate might seem different from how they usually appear or they may be going through a stressful or significant life event. You may also simply feel that someone might benefit from a quick check-in. The goal is not to interpret or diagnose but to show compassion and open the door for conversation.
When and how can we have these conversations?
These conversations can happen in many everyday moments. What matters most is that the setting feels comfortable and respectful of privacy, and that you are in a space to listen with patience (e.g., not rushed, stressed, distracted). Taking a moment to slow down and approach the conversation with curiosity and care can help create a more supportive interaction. Sometimes support simply means being present and listening without trying to fix.
The 4 R’s framework:
Recognise
Recognising simply means paying attention to what you notice, without making assumptions about what this might mean or what is going on for them.
Reach Out
Reach out by sharing what you noticed. Keep the conversation open and respectful by acknowledging you may not have the whole picture, e.g. “I’ve noticed that you seemed a bit flat at training today. How are things going?
Refer
If the person is experiencing persistent signs of reduced mental health, or you are concerned, refer to a coach, trusted staff member, VIS Psychologist, VIS Performance Lifestyle Adviser, VIS Doctor or the AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN).
Remain Supportive
Support often continues beyond one conversation. Remaining supportive might involve checking in again a few days later, asking how things have been going since the last conversation, continuing to include the person in team activities, or being patient if they are having a difficult period. Knowing that someone cares to check in again can make a meaningful difference.
The AIS 4 Rs Framework has been reproduced with the permission of the Australian Sports Commission.
AIS Support for Categorised & Formerly Categorised Athletes
AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN)
- Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
- 02 6214 1130
- [email protected]
Community support services are outlined below for athletes who are not categorised.
Community Support & Crisis Services
It is recommended to contact your General Practitioner when you or others have notice a deterioration in your mental health. They can prepare a mental health care plan and refer to specialist mental health services.
- Call 13 11 14, Text 0477 131 114
- 24/7 crisis support
- Call 1800 650 890
- Free mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12 – 25 years.
- 1300 225 636
- 24/7 support for anxiety, depression, suicide prevention
- 1800 595 212
- Free support, no appointment or GP referral required
- 1800 551 800
- Phone counselling service for 5 – 25 year olds
- 1300 78 99 78
- Telephone & online counselling for men
- 13 92 76
- 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- 1300 659 467
- 24/7 phone & online counselling for people affected by suicide
- 1800 184 527
- LGBTIQ+ peer support for people in Australia (3pm – 12am)
