Activist Tiered Systems of Support (ATSS) Framework: An Ecosystem of Care and Well-Being for Student and Athlete Activists

The re-emergence of the convergence of sports and activism highlights athletes' roles as advocates for social justice, reflecting their engagement with complex dynamics that intertwine their public personas, personal beliefs, and the socio-political context. This intersection presents unique challenges, especially for athletes of marginalized communities, who must navigate the compounded pressures of visibility, and personal conviction, thereby impacting their mental well-being. Recognizing the need for specialized support, this paper introduces the Activism Tiered Systems of Support (ATSS) framework. The ATSS draws inspiration from the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) used in educational settings (Sailor et al., 2020; Roth and Erbacher, 2021) and is enriched by the insights of Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, 1989; Delgado & Stefancic, 1993; Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995), Black Athlete Activist Leadership Model (BAAL) (George-Williams, 2019), The Activism Growth Model (George-Williams, 2021), the Racial Identity Development Model (Tatum, 1992) and the Sexual Identity Development Model (Cass, 1984). The ATSS framework aims to provide comprehensive mental health support tailored to athlete activists, fostering resilience, and enabling their success in sports and activism. This paper seeks to establish a foundation for sustained athlete engagement in activism, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges and leverage their platforms effectively.