Academic, Psycho-Social, and Motor Characteristics of Participants and Nonparticipants in Children's Sport

Abstract

Children in grades 1 through 5 were classified as either participants or nonparticipants in organized youth sport programs. Relationships between sport participation and nonparticipation were examined by comparing the participants and nonparticipants on tests of perceptual-motor ability, self-concept, academic achievement, trait anxiety, and physical fitness. Results indicated that the two groups of children could not be distinguished on the basis of these tests. Questionnaires related to amount of involvement in sport and parental participation in sport were also administered. Results of these questionnaires indicated a large percentage of children in elementary school are involved in sport. It was also found that there was little relationship between parents either previously or presently involved in sport and their children being involved in sport while in elementary school. The role of youth sport as a potential precursor for the development of achievement motivation tendencies was also considered.