Adolescent Withdrawal from Sport Participation: An Integrated Approach

Abstract

Adolescent withdrawal from sport and physical activity continues to be an alarming problem with numerous physical, social, and psychological health implications. Previous approaches to the problem largely have examined external factors related to sport, and placed blame on adolescents for not adhering to the existing sport system and its norms and values. It is possible, however, that the existing sport offerings are also problematic for adolescents, contributing to their withdrawal. This review examines the adolescent development process and relates it to choices that adolescents make particularly about their sport participation, but also with regard to their physical activity participation as a whole. It is clear from this review that adolescents are in need of innovative sport programming that will provide exploration, flexibility, and fluidity. Such innovation will require interaction and input from adolescents themselves and those who interact with them on a daily basis. Suggestions for novel approaches are discussed.

Keywords:

• Youth sport
• physical activity
• sport participation
• intramural sports

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ted F Burden

Ted Burden is a doctoral student of Sport Management at The University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Burden's primary research interests include sport and physical activity program development, design, and practitioner certification. Mr. Burden has presented at AAHPRED, NASSM, and the USOC National Coaching Conference.

Marlene A Dixon

Dr. Marlene Dixon is an Associate Professor and Fellow in the T.L. Long Professorship for Education at The University of Texas and a former collegiate volleyball and basketball coach. Her primary research interests include multilevel factors that influence the experience of coaching, as well as methods for improving the coach-athlete interface.