Managing User Conflicts in a Water Aerobics Program on Behalf of a Veteran’s Group: A Short Case Study

Authors

Hadley Blankenship, The University of Tennessee- KnoxvilleFollow
Steven N. Waller Ph.D., The University of Tennessee- KnoxvilleFollow
Jason L. Scott, The University of TennesseeFollow

Disciplines

Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Public Health | Sports Management | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies

Abstract

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for veterans, which resulted in a user conflict and poor facility policy implementation. Through effective advocacy, the issue was resolved with a renewed commitment to communicate better and to adhere to the organization’s aquatics policy. The lessons learned from this case included the value of effective advocacy for veterans’ groups, effective communication, and collaboration in problem-solving.

Recommended Citation

Blankenship, Hadley; Waller, Steven N. Ph.D.; and Scott, Jason L. (2025) "Managing User Conflicts in a Water Aerobics Program on Behalf of a Veteran’s Group: A Short Case Study," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 15: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol15/iss1/6