“We Are a Football Family”: Making Sense of Parents’ Decisions to Allow Their Children to Play Tackle Football

Abstract

Parents of middle school–aged children face a true dilemma as they consider whether to allow their children to play tackle football. The sport is cited as one that fosters a number of intangible benefits but is increasingly mentioned as dangerous for youth participants. This study employed a sensemaking theory framework to explore the family, community, and media dynamics that influence how parents made sense of their football decisions. We interviewed 12 married couples about their decisions allowing their child to play middle school football. Results indicate parents were affected by family identities, community and social influences, and information sources in their football decisions. We developed a typology describing three parental approaches to the football decision: the football-first family, the safety-first family, and the laissez-faire family. We drew connections between family type, decision agency, and risk assessment for the pro-football decision. To conclude, we offer theoretical and practical implications related to this key parental decision.

COVID-19 and Youth Sports: Psychological, Developmental, and Economic Impacts

“…Indeed, Bremer (2012) suggested that, for many families in Western culture, participation in youth sports is "a way of life" (p. 245). For some families, sport also is a central component of their identity (Boneau, Richardson, & McGlynn, 2020), as many families make financial and social sacrifices so their children can participate in sports (Dorsch, Smith, & McDonough, 2009). With the respite from youth sports, a primary activity for families has been suspended, necessitating adjustments to the family routine.…”

“It Might Also Be Good for Your Brain”: Cognitive and Social Benefits That Motivate Parents to Permit Youth Tackle Football

“…Personal and community dynamics also influence sport attitudes and participation (Tamminen et al, 2017). Prior work has discussed the influence of family characteristics on decisions to allow children to play tackle football (Boneau et al, 2020). Parents' history, community factors, and relationships with teammates and coaches affect sport participation (Cranmer, 2018).…”

Persepsi Orangtua Terhadap Sekolah Sepakbola Mitra Surabaya

“…Walaupun sepakbola banyak digemari, namun beberapa orang tua menghadapi dilema dan kecemasan terkait aktivitas yang ada dalam olahraga sepakbola termasuk di SSB sekalipun. Salah satu dilema yang dihadapi oleh orang tua saat anaknya masuk ke dalam kegiatan SSB adalah adanya gerakan yang membayakan seperti tackle (Boneau et al, 2020). Memasukkan anak muda ke dalam SSB juga memiliki risiko lain seperti gegar otak, namun medis yang professional harus memberikan informasi kepada orang tua terkait penanganan dan cara pemulihannya (Rieger et al, 2018).…”