Culture of risk & presenteeism in college athletics: student athletes' willingness to compete hurt

A culture of risk is present in sports (Nixon, 2004; Young, 2004b), sometimes demonstrated through sports presenteeism (athletes competing despite health problems). Research on sport presenteeism is limited to elite athletes (Mayer & Thiel, 2018; Mayer et al., 2020), and little is known about willingness to compete hurt (WCH) in college athletics. This study (1) examined college athletes’ WCH across various health situations, (2) identified predictors of WCH, and (3) explored WCH and presenteeism frequency differences across NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA athletes. 180 athletes from 19 sports completed an online questionnaire. Results indicated athletes had the highest WCH when not feeling well and in mental health situations, while demonstrating the least WCH when given orders to rest by coach or medical staff. Female athletes, along with higher team allegiance and sportsnet factor scores (factors involving members in athletes’ environment that influence their decision to compete hurt) predicted higher WCH. No significant differences emerged across divisions in WCH and presenteeism frequency. Athletes who reported presenteeism more than 5 times versus once or 2- 5 times in the last 12 months demonstrated higher WCH scores, supporting construct validity of the WCH-19 questionnaire. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of collaborative, athlete-centered decision-making that prioritizes long-term well-being. Education on the risks of competing hurt and the value of rest should be targeted to female athletes and sportsnets. Future research should explore sportsnet members' expectations of competing hurt behavior and develop a framework to guide decision-making in college athletics.