Theme 4: Encounter

An encounter is, simply put, genuine interaction. It creates a sense of safety and belonging. Encounters are built on the idea of equality – that no one is above or below the other. Achieving this requires everyone’s participation – the responsibility for a successful encounter lies with all parties involved.

Encounters are important in both individual and team sports. An encounter arises from mutual trust and respect: when everyone is acknowledged, and each person feels safe to express themselves. This creates a sense of security, which promotes success, learning, creativity, and commitment. Insecurity, on the other hand, is the opposite of security. In an insecure environment, one feels tense, stressed, and afraid, preventing one’s potential from flourishing.

In this section, we explore encounters and the promotion of good interactions through 10 key points. The material is available in Finnish, Swedish, and English.

Reflections

• How do I perceive the encounter in my own sports club?
• How can I personally contribute to improving the encounter of others?