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Question:

Dear SIRC Librarian:

I am looking for the most current research on why children (aged 6 to 12) participate in sport. Ideally this would be a top ten list or something like that.

I am also looking for the most current research on why children (aged 6-12) drop out of sport.

Thank you so much.

Thanks,

LJ

Answer:

Dear LJ:

Thank you for emailing SIRC with your question regarding youth (age 6-12) participation in sport.

When searching through the literature there are numerous studies examining why youth participate in sport. Many indicate that it is closely tied to enjoyment in the activity. From age 6-12 enjoyment is often linked to their interaction with their coach, parents and peers while they are participating.

The following resources should help you create a top ten list of why children participate in sport.

If you have additional questions please contact us anytime.

Sincerely,

Your SIRC Librarian

 

Online References:

Clark, Warren. (2008) Kid’s Sports. Canadian Social Trends. Statistics Canada. Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2008001/article/10573-eng.pdf

Ifedi, Fideli, (2008) Sport Participation in Canada 2005. Minister of Industry. Available at: http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/81-595-MIE/81-595-MIE2008060.pdf

Mulholland, Elizabeth. (2008) What Sport Can Do: The True Sport Report. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. Available at: http://www.truesportpur.ca/en/site/category-24

Backgrounder – Children and Youth. Section of What Sport Can Do: A True Sport Report. Available at: http://www.truesportpur.ca/en/site/category-33

Fostering positive youth development

• Sport can also contribute positively to adolescent identity formation, a critical step in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Young people who participate in sport score significantly higher on self-concept than those who do not, with girls benefiting even more than boys.
• Sport also facilitates friendships and positive social relations, which also play an important role in youth identity formation.
• Research tracking Canadian youth aged 12 to 15 showed an association between regular participation in sport activities and higher self-esteem and better health. Youth who rarely or never participated in organized sports were more likely to report having lower self-esteem and difficulties with friends.
• Youth who participated in organized sports regularly over the years were more likely to report that expressing their opinion was important and, looking ahead 5 years, had a more positive outlook on their personal futures.
• In a 2003 Ipsos-Reid survey of Canadians aged 12 to 21, respondents indicated that playing sports:
  • Improved their health (99 percent);
  • Helped them make friends (87 percent);
  • Improved their feelings about themselves (85 percent);
  • Helped them succeed at school (58 percent); and
  • Helped them become more active with their family (54 percent).

Full-text Availability:

Coté, J., Horton, S., MacDonald, D., & Wilkes, S. (2009, Winter2009). The Benefits of Sampling Sports During Childhood. Physical & Health Education Journal, 74(4), 6-11.

Fraser-Thomas, J., & Côté, J. (2009, March). Understanding Adolescents' Positive and Negative Developmental Experiences in Sport. Sport Psychologist, 23(1), 3-23.

Kanters, M., Bocarro, J., Casper, J., & Forrester, S. (2008, October). Determinants of Sport Participation in Middle School Children and the Impact of Intramural Sports. Recreational Sports Journal, 32(2), 134-151.

McCarthy, P., & Jones, M. (2007, December). A Qualitative Study of Sport Enjoyment in the Sampling Years. Sport Psychologist, 21(4), 400-416.

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