Abstract
Restrictions and lockdown measures put into effect to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus have had many unintended consequences on social life. While successful at mitigating the spread of the virus, the restrictions on social gatherings have also had negative effects in many areas of social life. One area that has experienced severe restrictions is youth sports. While researchers are currently examining the social and psychological consequences of sport restrictions on children and youth in general, less is known about how parents of elite children athletes are coping with the restrictions, and are potentially trying to innovate new strategies to circumvent the restrictions to get their child “ahead” regardless of the restrictions in place. Based on 30 qualitative interviews, this paper examines how parents of elite hockey players navigate this time and are trying to find ways for their children to still progress while being officially shut out of the arenas. We also consider how parents are perceiving the state of their children’s mental health.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2021 Special Focus—Sport and Society in Crisis
KEYWORDS
Covid-19, Ice-hockey, Parents, Mental Health
