Sport Experiences of Division I Collegiate Athletes and Their Perceptions of the Importance of Specialization

The purpose of the current study was to investigate Division I athletes’ prior sport participation and athletes’ perceptions regarding sport specialization. Athletes (N = 1041) completed self-report surveys and indicated that participation in their collegiate sport began around nine years of age (M = 9.10, SD = 3.83). Athletes played a large number of sports in elementary and middle school with participation decreasing during high school. For those athletes who specialized in one sport, specialization occurred typically at 12.5 years of age. In addition, athletes past sport background and perceptions of specialization differed depending on their college sport with some sports (i.e., gymnastics) starting participation and specializing earlier than others (i.e., football, cross country, and track and field). Interestingly, no differences existed in past sport experiences or perceptions of specialization dependent on scholarship status or expected playing status. This study supports prior research that early specialization is not a requirement for elite level performance

Youth Definitions of Success, Obstacles to Success, and How Significant Others Can Help: Providing Youth a Voice in Their Own Development

Positive Youth Development (PYD) programmes are often conceptualized and led by adults with little or no youth input. The purpose of this study was to better understand youth definitions of success, obstacles they face in achieving success, and how they perceive others can help. Interviews were conducted with 24 youth from three different contexts (swim club, church group, and reform home) in Trinidad and Tobago. The results indicated that youth have a varied understanding of success. Further, many youths’ definitions mirror those prescribed in PYD literature. Youth identified a variety of obstacles in their quest for success, and though similarities existed, several obstacles were context dependent. Finally, youth identified support and assistance as the best mechanisms to propel them to success. Support, both informal and formal, points to the significant role non-parent adults serve in the lives of youth. Implications for youth programmes and future research are discussed

The Experiences of Women in Professional Tackle Football

There has been a quiet surge in the growth of professional women\u27s football teams in the US. Currently the Independent Women\u27s Football League (IWFL) and Women\u27s Football Association (WFA) feature dozens of teams which offer new and ex citing playing opportunities for women from all backgrounds. Despite this growth at the professional level, tackle football is not offered at the interscholastic level for girls and youth football programs for girls are not widely available. Girls who desire to play football most often have limited opportunities in flag football or as members of well-established boys programs. The goals of this session are to (1) increase awareness and promote professional women\u27s football in the US and (2) expose and share strategies for increasing opportunities for females of all ages to play. This presentation will provide an introduction to professional football in the US via an overview of the two predominant leagues and a brief overview of the current literature examining psychosocial and social cultural factors related to women\u27s professional football. A panel discussion with current active players will address their personal experiences as participants including benefits and consequences of participating and their ideas, thoughts and beliefs on how to initiate football programs for girls and women of all ages throughout the United States. A question and answer session with the panel will conclude the session

Benefits to Women from Playing Tackle Football

There has been an increase in the number of opportunities for women to participate in sport since the passage of Title IX in 1972. Research has shown that women who participate in contact sport enjoy the physical nature of the sport and the opportunity to break down barriers (Chu, Leberman, Howe, & Bachor, 2003), as well as the feeling of empowerment (Migliaccio & Berg, 2007). Over the past decade, there has been a surge in the number of women playing professional tackle football. Recently opportunities for women to participate in tackle football have resulted in close to 90 teams across the country. This study examined the experiences of professional women football players on a Midwest team. Specifically, six current players with at least three years playing experience were interviewed about the benefits they encountered as a professional football player. Players ranged in age from 23 to 37 and were from diverse backgrounds (one Native American, four European Americans, and one African American). After the interviews were transcribed, they were analyzed using inductive and deductive analysis. Seven perceived benefits emerged from this study. These benefits included Physical Fitness, Social Competence, Physicality of the GameImproves Psychological Well- Being, Changing the Fabric of Society, the Thrill of Victory, and Travel Opportunities. Discussion will focus on the experiences of the players and the benefits that can be derived from participating in tackle football. As previous research has suggested, the results confirm that there are benefits for women that are involved in contact sports

Perception de l'engagement des parents dans la pratique du tennis de leur enfant

Analyse du regard porté par des parents de jeunes joueurs de tennis de niveau régional sur leur propre contribution à l'instauration de conditions propices au bon développement de la carrière sportive de leur enfant, étude de leurs opinions concernant le rôle joué par les parents et la famille auprès d'enfants sportifs : engagement personnel, rapport à la victoire ou à l'échec, coûts financiers de la pratique sportive de l'enfant, soutien et pression parentale, répercussions familiales ..