PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN YOUTH SPORTS: AN EXAMINATION OF TEAM GREENVILLE

Considerable research suggests that parents play an important role in the youth sports environment, however we are often unaware of the motivations that influence parents\u27 involvement, or lack thereof, in their child\u27s sports activities. This study examined the role of parent involvement in the youth sports environment, specifically among youth swim team participants. Interviews were conducted with parents to examine their level of involvement with their child\u27s youth sport. A transcendental or psychological phenomenology was used to analyze the data that emerged from the interviews. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed and limitations and suggestions for future research are noted. Results revealed what parents view as involvement, that parents are involved because they want to spend time together with their child at swimming, and parents\u27 views of other parents\u27 involvement