Influences on Parental Involvement in Youth Sport

The purpose of this study was to explore the influences on parental involvement in youth sport. Specifically, this study sought to address the following research questions: (a) What are the individual and environmental influences on parental involvement? And, (b) how is parental involvement influenced by these individual and environmental factors? Data collection occurred through an online survey, which was completed by 70 parents. Data were first analyzed through thematic data analysis to identify the influences on parental involvement. Vignettes of different types of parental involvement were then created to illustrate how involvement was influenced. Results indicated that parents were involved as supporters, coaches and managers, and providers of opportunities. The types of involvement appeared to be influenced by (a) the youth sport context; (b) other parents and coaches; (c) concerns regarding own behavior; (d) knowledge and experience of sport; (e) previous experience as a sport parent; and (f) goals, expectations, and beliefs for child's sport. Such findings highlight the importance of considering individual and sociocontextual factors when creating parent initiatives to ensure messages are more appropriately tailored to parents. Such tailoring should result in the development of more effective initiatives.