Secondary School 1st XV Rugby Players’ Perceptions of the Coaching Environment: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Keywords:
youth sport, coach development, coach behavior, athlete voice, youth coachingAbstract
The physical, social, and psychological benefits of participating in secondary school-level sport are largely mediated by coaches. This qualitative descriptive study explores New Zealand secondary school 1st XV male rugby union (rugby) players’ perceptions of the coaching environment and how it affects their sport experiences. Descriptive data was gathered from three focus groups comprised of male secondary school rugby players (16-18 years old) competing in a top-level 1st XV rugby competition in New Zealand. Findings revealed coaches influenced athletes’ sense of ‘brotherhood’ and controlled which sports they played, how they played, and their ability to express themselves while playing. Players used covert and overt practices at times to resist control. Coaches also placed high expectations and significant pressure on players. The findings in this study extend the literature by offering insight into New Zealand’s secondary school 1st XV male rugby coaching environment. Findings might enhance coaches and coach educators’ awareness of how coach behaviors impact secondary school athletes’ sport experiences.
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