Analysis of the needs for intervention in parents of young athletes

Abstract

The role of parents in sports initiation is essential for proper athletic and personal growth of children and adolescents who venture into the complicated world of sport and physical activity. Parents play an important role in the formation of the child's personal characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the needs for intervention with parents of young athletes. In the study 131 parents of sons/daughters who play football, basketball and gymnastics have participated. It has been administered a battery of questionnaires to measure cognitive and affective aspects, and those concerning guidelines and actions. The results show that it is necessary to intervene in the formation of parents to optimize the comprehensive sports development of their children. Among the areas for improvement there are included the establishment of goals and objectives, the negative feelings and feelings of indifference, the competition pressure, the transfer of responsibility and autonomy, the respect for significant others (other parents, coaches and referees) and conflict resolution.