Is parental participation in organized sports associated with Positive Youth Development?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine parents' levels of involvement in organized sports and children's Positive Youth Development (PYD). Many families structure their lives around organized sports, which impact their family relationships and the family system as a whole. Using data from Grade 6 participants (n=629) and their parents from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, the current study assessed the role of parenting in organized sports and its association with children's overall PYD and each of the five C's of PYD (competence, character, connection, confidence, and caring and compassion). Data analysis was guided by Hellstedt's (1987) family systems theory adapted for the sports environment. Results from this study indicated that higher levels of parental involvement in their children's organized sports was significantly associated with children's higher levels of connection with their family, peers, school, and community. Results also indicated that moderate parental involvement in organized sports was significantly associated with children's higher levels of confidence, whereas higher and lower levels of parental involvement in organized sports was associated with lower levels of confidence. These findings reveal information about parenting levels in organized sports and how this associates with children's levels of connection and confidence.