Attrition in School Rowing in New Zealand: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that involvement in sport has positive physical and psychosocial benefits for adolescents. However, concerns have been expressed, both in New Zealand and internationally, about the relatively high attrition rates in youth sport. This qualitative study captured the experiences of eight (five male, three female) adolescents who were no longer participating in high school rowing programs in New Zealand. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, and we conducted an inductive thematic analysis. A secondary analysis was then conducted using a self-determination and basic psychological needs framework that placed specific emphasis on need satisfaction and need thwarting. Key findings from this study suggest that participants’ experiences of rowing were initially positive but were subsequently influenced by dissatisfaction and thwarting of basic psychological needs. The findings confirm the significance of coaches and parents providing an environment that supports young athletes’ needs for relatedness. Concerns are also raised about the potentially damaging effects of weight-restricted sport for adolescents. By drawing upon athlete voice, it is hoped that the findings of this study can inform coach education and result in the development of more athlete-supportive rowing programs for adolescent athletes.

Promoting a culture change in junior and youth sport in New Zealand

“…As detailed in the introduction and background section, junior and youth sport issues were clear. New Zealand-based evidence supports a range of international evidence suggesting an overly competitive and controlling junior and youth sporting environment impacted participant enjoyment across all ages and influenced dropout rates for young people moving into their early teenage years [for example, see Kidman et al ( 1999 ), Walters et al ( 2011 , 2015 , 2017 ), McKenzie ( 2013 )]. During the initial phase, the research group focused on identifying some of the key international initiatives introduced to address junior and youth sport issues that could, potentially, be adapted within the New Zealand setting.…”

“…This has created several issues that impact junior participants' enjoyment of sport through to more serious issues as young people transition to youth sport. These issues include: controlling adult sideline behaviour (Walters et al, 2012 ); early specialisation, increased training loads, and resultant overuse injuries (McGowan et al, 2019 ); coaches and players' problematic attitudes towards injuries (Whatman et al, 2018 ); attrition rates in youth sport (Walters et al, 2017 ); and controlling coach behaviours (McKenzie, 2013 ). At a time of concern over declining sport participation, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) 1 statistics indicated a 60% increase in sport-related injuries for 10–14 year-olds over the past decade (Accident Compensation Corporation, 2019 ), with sport medicine professionals expressing concern over increased overuse injuries.…”

“Moving Freely in Space with Power and Not Be Afraid”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Elite Rowers with Visual Impairment

“…Within the sport of rowing, coaches and peers can influence the experiences of rowers and can play a significant role in their motivation and enjoyment of the sport [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. These positive or negative experiences reflect rowers’ perceptions of the supporting and thwarting of their autonomy (actions are in line with interests and values), competence (control over success), and relatedness (sense of belonging) by their coaches and peers.…”

“…These positive or negative experiences reflect rowers’ perceptions of the supporting and thwarting of their autonomy (actions are in line with interests and values), competence (control over success), and relatedness (sense of belonging) by their coaches and peers. These needs can be influenced by how rowers are selected for a team and boat lineups, as well as how they are provided feedback [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. When supported, rowers can have more positively balanced affect, are more persistent, and express more interest in future task engagement; however, when thwarted rowers can express ill-being and disaffection [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…These needs can be influenced by how rowers are selected for a team and boat lineups, as well as how they are provided feedback [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. When supported, rowers can have more positively balanced affect, are more persistent, and express more interest in future task engagement; however, when thwarted rowers can express ill-being and disaffection [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”