The Importance of Coach Leadership Behavior and Parent Involvement in Developing Life Skills in Young Athletes: An Investigation in Sports Development

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: Achievement sports not only discuss wins and losses, but it is important to discuss other aspects, namely parental involvement and coach leadership behavior toward the life skills of young athletes. Material and Methods: A correlational study was conducted with 281 athletes of both genders, aged 14-15, who participated in football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and archery. Data were collected through a questionnaire using instruments such as the coach behavior scale (CBS-S), parent involvement in sport questionnaire (PSIQ), and life skills scale for sport (LSSS). The collected data was analyzed using statistical techniques such as correlation and multiple regression analysis, utilizing SPSS version 23 software. Results: The results of the study revealed that coach leadership behavior and parent involvement had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the life skills of young athletes, thus supporting the first and second hypotheses. The combined effect of coach leadership behavior and parent involvement on the life skills of young athletes were also found to be significant (p < 0.05), thereby supporting the third hypothesis. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that coach leadership behavior and parent involvement have a partial and simultaneous significant relationship with the life skills of young athletes in achievement sports. Therefore, it is recommended that the evaluation of these factors should be considered essential in the assessment and evaluation of sports development outcomes for all parties involved.