Parental Sport Involvement: Parental Influence to Encourage Young Athlete Continued Sport Participation

Two studies were conducted to examine parental and family influences that help encourage young athletes' sport participation. In Study 1, former high school athletes (N = 276) reflected upon their families' sport orientation and perceived parental compliance-gaining techniques (activation of impersonal commitment, expertise, rewarding behaviors). Findings indicated that dimensions of family sport orientation served as significant predictors for each compliance dimension, while athlete and parent sex differences emerged for activation of impersonal commitment and rewarding behaviors. For Study 2, data were collected through interviews with parents of junior high and high school athletes (N = 30). Findings from the qualitative analysis provided insight into parental perceived roles for their child's sport participation and techniques parents would employ to ensure continued participation.