Social networks in sport: Parental influence on the coach-athlete relationship

The study aims to explore the nature of influences that parents exert on the quality of the dyadic coach-athlete relationship. A conceptual model was proposed as a guiding framework for the study. The proposed model incorporates Sprecher, Felmlee, Orbuch, and Willets' (2002) notion of social networks and Jowett and Cockerill's (2002) conceptualization of coach-athlete relationships. Fifteen participants from five coach-athlete-parent triads were interviewed, and content analysis revealed that athletes' parents (a "psychologically significant" network member) provided a range of information, opportunities, and extensive emotional support, all of which influenced the quality of the coach-athlete relationship as defined by closeness, commitment, and complementarity. Results are discussed based on previous relevant research along with recommendations for future research directions and practical applications.