Silly season, trading period, and transfer window are all key elements of a different sports season, but ultimately, the same thing. No matter the sport, there comes a point in each athlete’s journey when their contract expires or they risk being traded to a different team. Silly-Season in Formula 1 results from the never-ending rumors about which teams will change their driver line-ups and which drivers are moving to what teams. Of course, it is essential to note that not all rumors are based on fiction, but there are moments during these periods where one has to wonder: “Where did this rumor come from?” and what effect are these rumors having on the athlete and team?
Many factors contribute to organizations deciding to trade or drop a specific athlete from their line-up. The first is that that athlete’s potential could be more fully realized elsewhere, and they are then traded for the good of their future (Wright, 2020). Furthermore, if the organization believes that there is a better option, it may drop an athlete or trade an athlete to ensure the team’s future success (Wright, 2020). The article by Wright (2020) shows that NBA players understand that the trade deadline is a part of the business of playing in the NBA. They grow accustomed to it the longer they are involved in their sport; however, it is crucial to understand how rumors that inevitably accompany this process may impact the sport.
Athletes face pressures from the need to be perfect, a fear of failure, and even when they have perceived pressure (Birrer, Rothlin, and Morgan, 2012). Rumors regarding an athlete’s future, whether losing their place in a team or being traded, can act as a perceived pressure. Whether they have just been traded to a top team or to a team working to build itself up, these players are pressured to perform at the highest level to prove their ability (Black, 2023). Research done on Acute Psychological Stress (APS), defined as a short-term psychological stressor, has shown that athletes exposed to APS before competing have diminished performance. An APS could be an athlete discovering a rumor about their future before a game, which can negatively impact their performance and, ultimately, their team’s decision on their future (Rano, Friden, and Eek, 2019).
Ultimately, athletes are aware of the functionality of an athletic organization and understand their role in bringing success to a team or their competitive body. Thus, the effects of being traded are often cited as mainly affecting early-career athletes rather than more experienced ones (Wright, 2020). To improve the athletic outcomes of athletes facing these rumors, it is essential to acknowledge the positive impact trading and transferring athletes can have on their performance. As mentioned earlier, trades may be for the team’s or the athlete’s good. Furthermore, with the rise of social media in sports, it is important to facilitate open communication between athletes and their organizations to ensure that rumors do not impact the athletes. Knowing where their future lies can help athletes avoid the perceived pressure of a potential move, ultimately allowing them to perform at their highest capability.
Referencing
Birrer, D., Röthlin, P., & Morgan, G. (2012). Mindfulness to enhance athletic performance: Theoretical considerations and possible impact mechanisms. Mindfulness, 3(3), 235-246.
Rano, J., Fridén, C., & Eek, F. (2019). Effects of acute psychological stress on athletic performance in elite male swimmers. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(6), 1068–1076.
Trade deadline a unique time for professional athletes, says Ucalgary Prof. News. (2023, July 10).
Wright, M. C. (n.d.). How trades affect players and teams in the NBA. How trades affect players, teams in NBA | NBA.com.