Golisano Children's Hospital / Adolescent Medicine / Eating Disorders / For Educators / Coaches / Roles of Educators & Coaches For Educators and Coaches Roles of Personnel in School Settings Affected students and athletes need your support and understanding. You can: Create a positive, healthy school environment that facilitates learning and encourages each student to learn, grow and develop as an individual Maintain a Zero Tolerance Policy for: Judging individuals on physical appearance Negative remarks about weight, body shape, size, appearance etc. Recognize that school personnel are not supposed to be “food police,” “surrogate parents,” or “friends” Recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa View eating disorders as developmental, not mental, illnesses with biological, psychological and social elements Learn how to communicate with students who have a suspected or known eating disorder Be aware of treatment approaches and ways to facilitate referral for effective treatment Help prevent eating disorders by maintaining a healthy educational environment Recognize the powerful influence of a coach on an athlete and a teacher on a student Sports should be fun
