Sports Participation and Withdrawal: A Developmental Motivational Commentary

Abstract

In this review written from a motivational and developmental perspective, I have examined the nature of the young adolescent's sport involvement as reflected in reasons for participation and withdrawal. In current sports research there does not appear much sensitivity to the middle school student's needs as they relate to sports participation and withdrawal. Because of methodological difficulties in defining criteria for participation and withdrawal, it is difficult to conclude that the nature of sports should be changed for middle schoolers. The reasons that adolescents choose to become involved or to withdraw appear to be important. Of these, the degree of fun may be highly relevant. From a competence motivation viewpoint with a developmental emphasis, the role of perceived competency is a key issue. As young adolescents acquire the capacity to distinguish ability from effort more clearly, they are faced with many choices of activities in addition to sports. If the goal of sports is to foster a healthy life-style, then the issue of maximizing participation and continuation is a significant one. However, if sports is not to be promoted for everyone, then the issue is of lesser importance.