Coaching the Dads
The outcomes of father involvement
Far from condemning fathering through sport , the researchers note the balance that must be found in order for fathers to have the most positive impact on their child ’ s development .
Family relations literature consistently shows that when fathers are involved with their children , it can positively impact on the child ’ s developmental outcomes . These outcomes include increased child happiness and well-being , a decrease in risky alcohol behaviour in adolescence , higher levels of cognitive competence , increased empathy , fewer sex-stereotyped beliefs and a more internal locus of control .
The research identifies engagement or direct contact with the child as the most impactful involvement for fathers . However , the impact may not always be positive .
Building on this , the researchers argue that the outcomes for children are far more dependent on the type of activities fathers engage in with them . The most effective activities are described as highly interactive , including verbal and physical interactions in which the father and child can participate mutually . Given this description , it is easy to see why sport fits the bill , but what are the implications for the coach delivering the sessions ?
Helping dads find the moderate balance
The researchers note family systems theory states not all levels of father involvement are healthy , and on a scale ranging from under-involvement to over-involvement , a moderate involvement approach is most likely to maximise positive outcomes for a child .
The idea of moderate involvement is described as fathers providing firm direction with enough flexibility to give the child significant involvement in decision making . The study notes the parent is supportive , but the ultimate decisions about participation and achievement are made by the athlete .
If you are reading this as a coach with experience in youth sport , does it describe the fathers you come into contact with ?
If so , it ’ s good news . The team notes that when fathers replicate this approach , it is likely their children will experience positive outcomes , which in turn may lead to positive outcomes for their coach too ( ie a more satisfied player who develops and keeps coming back ).
Taking this idea further , the academics note a potential technique that fathers may use to exhibit moderate involvement , turning sporting moments into teaching opportunities for their child .
Specifically , they note how fathers can help develop their child ’ s coping skills by firstly acknowledging the stressful situations they may encounter and then creating a supportive environment that enables them to learn from the moment and cope more effectively when facing it again .
For example , competition can provide stress in the form of pressure to play well and avoid mistakes or injury . Fathers can help their child deal with this stress by listening to their concerns , asking relevant questions and reminding them how they dealt with similar situations in the past .
Coaches could potentially encourage fathers to play this role before any competition starts , leaving the coaching side of things to the expert ( ie the coach ), so as to ensure they do not become over-involved .