Does context matter? Unpacking differences in program quality and developmental experiences across competitive and recreational youth sport

Abstract

To date, little research has explored differences between competitive and recreational youth sport contexts beyond descriptions of inherent features. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine if differences existed between competitive and recreational youth sport on (a) observed quality delivery and (b) youth’s perceptions of basic psychological needs satisfaction and developmental experiences. Forty-six youth sport teams participated in the study from competitive ( n = 23) and recreational contexts. This study adopted a multi-method approach of self-report questionnaires and researcher observations. Teams agreed to be involved in observations ( n = 3), questionnaires ( n = 12) or both methods of data collection ( n = 31). Quality was assessed through 216 observations ( n = 134 competitive; Mper team = 6.55), while basic psychological needs satisfaction and developmental experiences were examined through two questionnaires ( N = 413) completed at season end. Descriptive statistics and MANOVAs were calculated for all measures and associated subscales. Results revealed non-significant differences between competitive and recreational programs, despite high scores across the three measures. Significant effects are discussed related to of coaches’ years of coaching experience on program quality and ethnicity ratios on positive developmental experiences. Also discussed are notable effect sizes on opportunities for belonging and choice, where recreational contexts scored higher than competitive on each factor. Results offer understandings of how coach delivery can be enhanced, regardless of context, to optimize developmental benefits for youth. Implications are discussed for how future research can explore the complexities of different sport contexts, including associated coaching practices.

The SPORTS Participation Framework: illuminating the pathway for people with disability to enter into, participate in, and excel at sport

“…Recreational sport is provided in the community by paid or volunteer sports coaches or with family, friends, or peers and provides opportunities to enhance wellbeing without the expectation of high-level performance. 77 , 78 As recreational sport is not constrained by the strict rules that apply to competitive sport, there is greater flexibility to accommodate varying needs of people with disabilities by modifying components of the activity or environment. This flexibility is beneficial to people with disabilities who may be unable to perform a sports activity in the same way as their able-bodied peers, or whose abilities may fluctuate over time.…”

Analysis of Sports Policy on The Scope of Recreational Sports in Development Through Sports

“…In the distribution of articles based on context, several studies related to recreational sports policies in development through sports were found, divided into several aspects, including:  Recreational Sports [32]- [35]  Sports Policy [36]- [40]  Development Through Sport [41]  Sport Policy, Development Through Sport [6], [11], [21], [42], [43]  Sport Policy, Recreational Sport [4], [7], [18], [44]- [47] Advances in Health Sciences Research, volume 45…”

“…Based on the type of data in each article, several methods are often used in this study, including:  Case Study [4], [11], [39], [43]  Comparative Analysis [6], [18], [21], [35], [37], [38], [42], [44]  Experiment [33], [40], [47]  Mix Methods [7]  Survey [32], [34], [45]  Systematic Literature Review [36], [41], [46], [48] The method most often used in research related to the context of recreational sports policy in development through sports is a comparative analysis study, where the study is compared to the increase in community participation in sports. The distribution of articles by data type is presented in Figure 5.…”

“…This is based on the fact that this recreational sport has the main purpose of using it to promote sports. That way, the degree of public health will automatically increase which will certainly increase one of the HDI indicators, namely the dimensions of health and life expectancy [6], [18], [21], [35], [37], [38], [42], [44].…”