The Effects of Motivational Climate on Youth Sport Participants

Abstract

Sports are popular across the nation and youth sport participation is at an all-time high, yet children are quitting youth sports at an alarming rate. If this trend is going to change, several areas of concern must be addressed. The climate created on youth teams can be polarizing, having the potential for significant positive or negative developmental effects. Therefore, the authors explore achievement goals, motivational climate and personal development, and TARGET descriptions. They offer suggestions for coaches, such as creating a mastery climate or fostering a more positive environment, so this negative trend can hopefully be curbed. Creating a mastery climate presents an environment in which children feels competent and successful and could be the key important factor in their continued participation in youth sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]