Core shame is an instinctual judgement about the self, and it results in a sense of worthlessness, a fear of being found out, and a desperate striving for perfection (Cozolino, 2016). We see or feel this worthlessness, fear of being found out and a desperate striving for perfection throughout sport. We want and need to be worthy and feel part of the team or squad. This want and need has its origins in our evolution because our safety depended on our connection and contributio

Shame is an unwanted feeling that we associate with avoiding and withdrawing. When people feel shame, they just want the floor to open up and swallow them. In sport, our shame is public. We might run down the field in Croke Park with an opportunity to score a point and put two points between the teams, and we kick the ball into the goalkeeper’s hands. She plays the ball quickly up the field and the opposition score a goal. Now we are two points down. The feeling of shame is w