The University of North Carolina's top basketball recruit, Charles Hayward, was diagnosed with Leukemia before the season even started. Traumatic events such as these can have a devastating effect on the people involved, especially athletic teams that draw their character and much of their success from closeness, interdependency and chemistry among their members.
Experts contend that it's inappropriate to act as if nothing happened and assume business as usual.
In the case of the wrestler's death, the Wolverines suspended their season for 20 days so that the school could investigate and review policies, look at its practices and rules, and allow the players to cope with the loss of a team member. Emotions are very high after a trauma, so you must refocus your team for the season. Because degrees of trauma vary, you must first assess the team's needs both as a unit and as individuals. This is where crisis planning is critical. When a traumatic experience occurs while your team's away the confusion and lag time are multiplied.