Parents' Motivation in Registering their Child for Gymnastics

• Main Author: Wald, Jennie
• Other Authors: Bungum, Timothy J.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1999
• Subjects: Gymnastics for children.; recreation; fitness; youth activity
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2204/

This study examined factors that motivate parents to involve their children in organized gymnastics programs. A questionnaire based on McCullagh et al.'s (1993) study of recreational soccer players was used along with open-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to parents of children who were involved in a private gymnastics club. Descriptive statistics of 156 surveys showed that fitness, skill development, and fun were most frequently cited reasons for parents in their decision to enroll and keep their child in gymnastics programs. Competition was the least important factor. ANOVA showed that competition and team membership factors were more important to the parents of competitive gymnasts than parents of recreational gymnasts. Coaches and youth sport program organizers could use these findings to develop and market youth activity programs.