Citation

Omli J, Wiese-Bjornstal DM. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport 2011; 82(4): 702-711.

Affiliation

Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA. jens.omli@ttu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22276412

Abstract

News reports (e.g., Abrams, 2008) and scholarly research (e.g., Wiersma & Fife, 2005) have indicated increasing concern that parent-spectator behavior at youth sport events may be problematic. Multiple strategies have been used to influence spectator behavior in youth sport contexts (e.g., "Silent Sundays"). However it is unlikely that interventions aimed at changing parent-spectator behaviors have adequately considered young athletes' perspectives, because little is known about how children want parents to behave during youth sport events. Therefore, children (ages 7-14 years) were asked to describe how parents actually behaved at youth sport events and how they wanted parents to behave. Through grounded theory analysis (Charmaz, 2000), three parent "roles" emerged from the data-supportive parent, demanding coach, and crazed fan.

Language: en