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This study examines the relationship between adult behaviors and young (third through sixth grade) athlete behaviors in a community recreation basketball league. Previous research has indicated that sport programs can have an impact on increasing positive and decreasing negative sportsmanship if planned appropriately. However, no known study has been conducted that specifically looks at the relationship between behaviors of different individuals within the sport environment. Knowing the relationship between spectators', coaches' and children's behaviors will allow youth sport administrators to target specific techniques toward one group of individuals with the understanding that it will enhancing the overall atmosphere in games. Data were collected on positive and negative sportsmanship behaviors for 142 basketball games using observation techniques. Results suggest that positive spectator and coach behaviors were significant predictors of positive player behaviors. Similarly, negative spectator behaviors were predictive of negative player behaviors, while negative coach behaviors were not. This information will help youth sport administrators understand that events such as "Silent Saturdays" may be having an undesired effect on the positive sportsmanship displayed in youth sport. In addition, youth sport administrators should develop programs that both foster positive sportsmanship and discourage negative sportsmanship behaviors for the adults present in addition to the young athletes.
Sport can be an important and healthy component of youth development. In fact, based on participation statistics, youth sport appears to be one of the most important activities in a child's life (Brustad, 1993; Gould, 1987). It is also frequently suggested in both the popular media and in research that youth sport programs can be used to foster positive development and to build character (Coakley, 2004; Hansen, Larson, & Dworkin, 2003). More specifically, youth sport participation is associated with many general indicators of development, including identity development; personal exploration; initiative; improved cognitive and physical skills; cultivating social connections, teamwork, and social skills; extending peer networks; and improved connections to adults (Hansen et al., 2003).
In reality, however, sport does not inherently build character and in fact, many sport programs may lead to negative, radier man positive, youth development (Hellison, 1995). Sport only provides a context in which individuals may demonstrate positive development characteristics (Bigelow, Moroney, & Hall, 2001; Eitzen, 2003). It is me responsibility of youth sport administrators to ensure mat...
