Research Summaries Research Summary 33 Coaching Dads | Page 2

Coaching the Dads

Reimagining the theory
This new study is based on a comprehensive review of
the fathering through sport literature to date, viewed
through a lens of family system theory.

However, in this summary, rather than repeating the
findings of the literature review or dissecting the theory
that sits behind it, we examine what the results might
mean from a different perspective.

Namely, what could they mean for coaches working
with players whose fathers exhibit the tendencies
identified? And what do coaches need to be aware of

when working alongside fathers who use their child’s
sporting experiences as a mechanism for fulfilling their
parenting duties?

This approach to parenting can potentially impact on
both the young player and the coaching provider,
therefore action may be required on the part of the
coach. Given dealing with parents is always a sensitive
subject, we discuss some potential courses of action and
provide some key reflection points for coaches in youth
sport to consider in their own context.

What is fathering through sport?
In developing this new study, the team started with an
analysis of Active People Survey data in the UK and
Department of Labor data in the US.The figures in both
countries showed fathers are very keen to volunteer for
sports organisations where their children take part.

This willingness to volunteer for sports organisations is
traced back to cultural change identified in the new
millennium.That is, fathers found themselves under
increasing pressure to spend more time at home with their
children as women took up employment and
co-breadwinning roles in the family system.

Examples used to describe fathering through sport often
involve fathers acting in a technical way, such as coaching
or teaching specific skills, practising with the child, scouting
opponents or teaching the rules of the sport.

This challenged traditional gender roles in society, with
fathers assigned more familial and caregiving responsibilities
than they had become accustomed to in the past.

The team suggests this sporting ‘safe place’ for fathers gives
them the opportunity to conduct their parenting
responsibilities without fear. For example, they are able to
teach the values of hard work, aggressiveness and
competitiveness while simultaneously comforting and
nurturing the child through their experiences.The team
notes that outside of sport, the latter emotions may lead
some men to feel they have compromised on their
masculinity. However, within the sporting setting, they are
able to fulfil these roles with confidence.

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As a result, the researchers note sport became a natural
environment for many fathers to fulfil these ‘new’ duties as it
is one they are knowledgeable about, familiar with and
perhaps even comfortable in.