Abstract

This study examines associations between parents’ levels of involvement in organized sports and children’s Positive Youth Development (PYD). Using data from grade six participants (n = 629) and their parents from the 4-H Study of PYD, the current study assesses the role of parent involvement in organized sports and its association with children’s overall PYD and each of the five C’s of PYD (competence, character, connection, confidence, and caring). Data analysis was guided by Hellstedt’s (1987) family systems theory, which was adapted for the sports environment. Results of OLS regression analyses indicate that higher levels of parent involvement in children’s sports is significantly associated with children’s higher levels of connection with their family, peers, school, and community. Results also indicated that moderate parent involvement in sports was significantly associated with children’s higher levels of confidence. These findings suggest that parental involvement in their children’s sports can positively influence children’s levels of connection and confidence.