Building a Safer Sport: The Case for Governance in Functional Fitness

Introduction

As a global community of coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts, we are deeply shaken by the tragic event that unfolded this past weekend at the CrossFit Games, where athlete Lazar Dukic lost his life. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves throughout the athletic world, compelling us to urgently reflect on broader issues that extend far beyond the specifics of this particular tragedy. While the exact details surrounding Lazar's untimely death are still under investigation, this blog post will focus not on the physical safety concerns but rather on the critical need for enhanced mental health support and ethical leadership within athletic environments.

This discussion is not intended to amplify the grief already felt by the CrossFit community but rather to use this tragic event as a catalyst for a much-needed broader conversation about the importance of mental health and ethical practices in sports. The pressures elite athletes face are immense, often compounded by the physical, emotional, and psychological demands accompanying their high-stakes pursuits. As coaches, we possess a unique and profound responsibility to influence not only the physical performance of our athletes but also their overall well-being. We must recognize the full scope of this responsibility and commit to fostering environments that prioritize mental health with the same intensity as we do physical training.

In this post, I will draw upon my professional and academic background to illustrate key points, though this is not a personal narrative. My insights are grounded in years of experience, including my membership in the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and my extensive studies in sport psychology, which form part of my educational journey that spans three Master's degrees and ongoing Doctoral studies in Elite Performance. While I have not competed in or coached at the CrossFit Games, I have worked closely with elite athletes across various disciplines, from Amateur to Olympic levels, and have experienced the profound impact of loss firsthand.

The sudden death of a coach or athlete within a sports program is a devastating event that leaves lasting scars on all those involved. I have personally navigated such a tragedy during my tenure as a coach, where I was faced with the daunting task of leading a team through the grief and confusion that followed the loss of one of our own. These experiences, as painful as they were, have profoundly shaped my approach to coaching and have underscored the critical importance of addressing mental health within our teams.

The Psychological and Ethical Dimensions of Coaching in the Wake of Tragedy

When tragedy strikes in sports, the psychological and emotional ramifications extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. The sudden death of an athlete can have severe cognitive, physical, and emotional effects on all those exposed to the trauma, particularly teammates who shared a close bond with the individual. Research in sport psychology has shown that the impact of such a loss is not limited to grief alone. It can trigger a range of critical incident stress responses that impair decision-making, concentration, and emotional stability (Vernacchia et al., 1997). Individuals may experience overwhelming emotions such as anger, guilt, fear, and depression, alongside physical symptoms like fatigue and headaches. In some cases, this stress can manifest in self-destructive behaviors or antisocial actions, further complicating the recovery process (Spitzer & Burke, 1993).

In light of these challenges, the introduction of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) into sports psychology by Vernacchia et al. (1997) represents a pivotal step toward addressing the needs of athletes and coaches following traumatic events. CISD provides a structured method for managing the acute crisis reactions that often follow such incidents. However, it is crucial to recognize that the need for psychological support extends well beyond the immediate post-event period. As Buchko (2005) emphasizes, effective crisis intervention in sports must be ongoing, providing continued support to athletes, coaches, and others involved as they navigate the long-term consequences of their trauma.

One of the most important lessons learned through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is the necessity of having both "inside" and "outside" resources available to respond to the needs of those involved in sudden death or fatal injury situations (Vernacchia et al., 1997). This multidisciplinary approach ensures that a variety of perspectives and expertise are brought to bear on the problem, facilitating a more comprehensive and compassionate response. It is a reminder that solving complex problems, particularly those that involve human emotions and mental health, requires collaboration across disciplines.

This collaborative approach is especially critical in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy when decisions need to be made about how to proceed. The ability of athletes and coaches to make appropriate decisions within just a few hours of such an event is severely compromised. Research in psychology suggests that individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic event are not equipped to make sound decisions, particularly when they are still in shock and processing what has happened (Neimeyer & Currier, 2009). The cognitive impairments associated with critical incident stress—such as reduced attention span, impaired decision-making, and heightened emotional reactions—make it nearly impossible for those affected to think clearly or rationally.

This issue was brought into sharp focus at the recent CrossFit Games, where the decision to consult with athletes shortly after the incident about whether or not to continue the competition raises significant ethical concerns. Given what we know from psychological research, it is unlikely that the athletes and coaches were in a state to make such a critical decision. Moreover, the fact that this discussion was led by CrossFit—a powerful entity within the sport—introduces a power imbalance that further complicates the situation. In moments of trauma, when individuals are most vulnerable, the presence of a dominant organizational voice can unintentionally influence decisions, leading athletes and coaches to agree to actions they may not fully endorse or even comprehend at the time.

Drawing from my own experience, having been part of a sports program that tragically lost a member during a practice session, I can attest to the overwhelming sense of confusion and disbelief that follows such an event. From a sports psychological perspective, it is clear that the athletes and coaches at the CrossFit Games were not afforded the proper time or resources to process the tragedy, let alone decide how to proceed. This situation underscores the need for more robust protocols prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all involved.

The Ethical Imperative: Moving from Brand to Sport

The tragic events at the recent CrossFit Games highlight the critical need for reflection and change within the functional fitness community. As coaches, athletes, and leaders in this space, it is essential that we not only acknowledge the limitations of our current practices but also actively seek to improve them. The distinction between CrossFit as a brand and functional fitness as an emerging sport is not merely semantic; it carries profound implications for the ethics, governance, and mental health support systems that are so desperately needed in our community.

CrossFit, as a brand, has undeniably had a transformative impact on the fitness world. Since my involvement with CrossFit began in 2008, I have witnessed firsthand the power of the community it fosters—an international network of enthusiasts who find camaraderie, support, and a shared sense of purpose in their local "boxes." The brand has become synonymous with the high-intensity, varied workouts that have revolutionized how people approach fitness. However, it is essential to recognize that CrossFit remains a brand despite its widespread influence. As such, it is not bound by the same regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern recognized sports.

This lack of formal governance presents significant challenges, particularly in moments of crisis, such as the tragic death of Lazar Dukic. Unlike officially recognized sports, which operate under the guidance of International Federations (IFs) and National Federations (NFs), CrossFit lacks an overarching body to enforce standardized rules, ensure athlete safety, and provide the necessary mental health resources in the aftermath of traumatic events. This absence of accountability and structure can lead to ethical lapses and inadequate support systems that fail to protect the well-being of athletes, coaches, and the broader community.

In contrast, the officially recognized sport of Functional Fitness, governed by the International Functional Fitness Federation (iF3) and its affiliated National Federations, offers a model for elevating standards in this field. The iF3, as a non-profit organization, is committed to promoting safety, fairness, and ethical integrity in functional fitness competitions. By implementing a standardized rulebook, clear movement standards, and written safety guidelines, the iF3 provides a framework that enhances the sport's competitive aspect and prioritizes the health and well-being of all participants.

One of the critical advantages of shifting from a brand-centric model to a sport governed by an International Federation is the establishment of clear ethical guidelines and mental health protocols. In recognized sports, athletes and coaches are supported by a network of professionals, including sports psychologists, who are trained to manage critical incidents and provide ongoing care. These sports are also subject to the oversight of organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which enforce standards that protect the integrity of the sport and the safety of its athletes.

The iF3's commitment to safety is reflected in its comprehensive approach to competition management. By offering sanctioning for events that adhere to their rulebook and safety guidelines, the iF3 ensures that all competitions meet a high standard of care. Moreover, the iF3's emphasis on training technical officials and providing clear guidelines for event organizers helps to create an environment where athletes' health and safety are prioritized.

From a practical standpoint, this shift from brand to sport can profoundly impact how we approach ethics and mental health in functional fitness. As coaches, we must advocate for adopting these higher standards within our communities. This includes supporting the growth of Functional Fitness as a recognized sport, encouraging our athletes to participate in iF3-sanctioned events, and lobbying to establish similar standards within the entire industry. By doing so, we can help to create a culture where the well-being of athletes is not an afterthought but a central concern.

In addition to advocating for these changes, we must also take proactive steps to support the mental health of our athletes and ourselves. This means integrating mental health resources into our coaching practices, such as providing access to sports psychologists, offering regular mental health check-ins, and fostering an environment where athletes feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed. It also means recognizing the signs of critical incident stress and knowing when to seek outside assistance to ensure our athletes receive the care they need.

Our ethical responsibility as coaches extends beyond the physical training of our athletes; it encompasses their overall well-being. By embracing the structures and standards set forth by the iF3 and other governing bodies, we can help ensure that functional fitness evolves into a sport that not only challenges the body but also supports the mind and spirit of every athlete.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Functional Fitness

The shift from a brand-centric model to a sport governed by recognized bodies offers a path forward that prioritizes all participants' safety, fairness, and mental health. As we continue to navigate the challenges and tragedies that arise within our community, it is imperative that we embrace these higher standards and work together to build a future for functional fitness that honors the values of compassion, integrity, and care.

The tragedy this past weekend should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must recognize the limitations of brand-driven models and advocate for adopting more robust structures in functional fitness. By doing so, we honor the memory of those we have lost and ensure a safer and more ethical future for the sport we love.

References

Buchko, K. (2005). Team Consultation Following an Athlete's Suicide: A Crisis Intervention Model. Sport Psychologist, 19(3), 288.

Neimeyer, R., & Currier, J. (2009). Grief Therapy: Evidence of Efficacy and Emerging Directions. Current Directions In Psychological Science, 18(6), 352-356.

Spitzer, W., & Burke, L. (1993). A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Program for Hospital-Based Health Care Personnel. Health and Social Work, 18, 149-156.

Vernacchia, R., Reardon, J., & Templin, D. (1997). Sudden Death in Sport: Managing the Aftermath. Sport Psychologist, 11(2), 223-235.