Community Junior Sport Coaching final report - 2009

Players in Action
Currently in Australia and in similar western societies, the levels of physical activity of adolescents
are declining at faster rates than ever before (Booth et al., 2006). In order to combat this decline the
Australian government through the Active Kids are Healthy Kids campaign (Department of Health
and Ageing, 2004) has decided to focus on improving the physical activity levels of adolescences. The
recommendations in the campaign are intended to make public the minimum level of physical
activity required for good health in children. These recommendations were based upon the best
available evidence and are also in line with international best practice. The campaign states that
Australian children should get a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity
(MVPA) a day, with MVPA being defined as a brisk walk and above (Department of Health and
Ageing, 2004). The importance and opportunity that the junior sport environment plays in meeting
these national guidelines is an area that has not been fully explored and an area that the current
literature that this study can fill.
Another area of concern identified in Booth et al.’s NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition
Survey (2006) is the low ability level of adolescents to perform and master the fundamental
movement skills (FMS) which underlie all sports (e.g., passing running, kicking, dodging etc). This
finding not only has implications for schools in NSW but also other areas where these skills are
regularly performed i.e., the junior coaching environment where the FMS are regularly taught and
practiced.
Research also indicates that the time taken for adolescents to master a single fundamental
movement skill ranges from 280 minutes to 600 minutes (NSW Department of Education and
Training, 2000). The role the junior sport environment can potentially play in developing these FMS
is significant, especially considering the frequency and duration of junior training sessions
throughout a year. Research on this however is limited.
The benefit of Junior Sport Participation
Junior coaches play a critical role in providing opportunities for players to develop motor skills,
physical health and psychosocial skills such as self concept, cooperation, responsibility, self-control
and empathy (Fraser-Thomas and Cote, 2006; Malina and Cumming, 2003; Seefeldt, Ewing and Walk,
1992; Weiss and Stuntz, 2004). Evidence suggests youth sport participation provides an ideal
environment for developing life skills (Gould, Collins, Lauer and Cheung, 2008) and fostering
cognitive development (Pool and Miller, 2006). Similarly it has been suggested that coaches who use
appropriate reinforcement and praise; encourage players after mistakes; and use effective
instructions are most likely to enhance player psychological development. Participation in junior
sport can also contribute to normal growth and development and enhance aerobic fitness, strength
and skill development (Fraser- Thomas et al., 2005).
Unfortunately there is also the negative aspects of junior sport participation particularly when a ‘win
at all costs’ mentality is prevalent. This can lead to unhealthy levels of aggression and stress and
contribute to player burnout and withdrawal. If players encounter competition or advanced skill
work too soon they will experience increased anxiety and decreased self esteem.
Junior Community Coaching Report December 2009 18