When children are asked about why they play sports, having fun is consistently ranked as the number one reason. Trying their best, being treated with respect and getting playing time are reasons that fall close behind. Winning, on the other hand, is ranked much lower, near the bottom of all reasons for playing sport (Visek et al, 2014).
Research overwhelmingly shows that sports are beneficial for children as they grow up. Kids get to learn teamwork and how to socialize, see the benefits of hard work, and are exposed to the importance of exercise (Merkel, 2013). But the pressure to succeed, experiences of bullying, or being cut from a team too early are some of the many reasons that kids resent their sport experiences (O’Sullivan, 2015).
With all the benefits that sports offer at a young age, it’s critical for parents to ensure that the dynamics of their children’s teams offer the right balance between a competitive atmosphere and one that fosters learning and fun (Cumming et al, 2007).
In this blog, we explain why it’s important to cultivate a “mastery motivational climate” (that is, one where the success of an athlete is determined by their own perception of skill development and satisfaction) for youth in sport. We also explain how parents can reinforce a mastery approach through the messages they share with their children.
What is a motivational climate?
A motivational climate can be broken down into two different forms, mastery and ego.
Ego climates emphasize winning, with success being defined by who is the best. Individual results are determined by comparing different athletes, with failure and a lack of success being highlighted. Whereas the top NHL teams might find some success with an ego climate, your young budding basketball player will likely benefit more from a mastery climate (Mossman et al, 2021).
A mastery climate is one where the success of an athlete is determined by their own perception of skill development and satisfaction (Cumming et al, 2007). This means that success is not determined by winning or being the best, but when an athlete feels that they have been improving and having fun on their own terms. This can come through learning something new, seeing yourself improve, or trying your best.
By creating a mastery climate within a team, the emphasis is placed on effort and not ability, where you develop your skills as a player in an environment free from the pressure of failure (Cumming et al, 2007). Some of the benefits of a mastery climate include:
- Decreased feelings of pressure from coaches and parents
- Increased sense of pride based on effort and self-improvement
- Opportunities for equal playing time
- Minimized alienation through situations that amplify skill gaps
- Autonomy and ownership over game experience
For a child beginning their sporting journey, the goal should be to have them fall in love with sport while developing skills and a good work ethic. They should also experience a sense of inclusion and belonging. Taking away the pressures of performance helps to create an environment where children are excited to come to practices or games and enjoy giving it their all (O’Sullivan, 2015). While not every kid is destined for competitive or professional sport, a mastery climate increases the chances of viewing sport positively throughout their life.
What can you do as a parent?
Interestingly, most parents believe the reason their children like to play sports is to win (Merkel, 2013). Consequently, many parents contribute to the creation of an ego climate. Parents who are on the coaching staff or the sidelines have a responsibility to instill a healthy climate and perspective for young athletes (O’Sullivan, 2015). Particularly for children entering sport, parents should work to create practice and game strategies that prioritize a fun and accepting environment.
The emphasis for the young athletes should be on the importance of effort in the learning process, while reinforcing hard work and persistence. This can be accomplished by:
- Emphasizing fun and de-emphasizing winning
- Providing positive praise
- Prioritizing instructional feedback and reinforcing positive behavior
- Using age-appropriate instruction
Of course, as children grow and sport becomes more competitive, the environments in which they compete can change. However, for children first starting out, coaches and parents’ goal should be to guide their athletes into having a positive relationship with sport. By ensuring that everyone involved in youth sports concentrate on making competition and development fun for all, athletes are more likely to trust their coaches and stay participating for years to come (Zhang et al, 2013).
So, what does this all mean?
Most parents can probably agree that at the end of the day, the goal is to see your child smiling and enjoying themselves while playing sport. Some might be the next Christine Sinclair or Steve Nash stepping onto the field or court for the first time ever. For most of these athletes though, the first step to having those great relationships with sport is about creating great early experiences. Keep it fun.