THE ROLE OF PARENTS, COACHES, AND PEERS IN THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ATHLETES

Abstract

Parents, coaches and peers play an important role in children's sports careers. Parents are usually the "culprits" of children's initial sports involvement, especially of younger ages and represent a pillar by providing concrete and emotional support regarding their children's sports careers. From the first beginnings on the sports fields to the moment when top sports careers are achieved, thе parents have a pronounced influence on the sports life of their children. When a child shows an interest in playing a sport, support from the family is necessary, primarily because of personal growth and development, acquisition of moral values and skills, discipline, personal appropriateness, learning principles, etc., which is important if the child continues to engage in professional sports or not. The impact can be easily seen when all the predictions are taken in such as the dedicated activity and investment in the subject, the emotional and financial support, and the overall concern for the career of their children. Here, of course, the influence and support of coaches and peers are not missing, especially in the period of adolescence, which according to numerous scientific studies is considered the most sensitive period of life, followed by the most changes, and in which the largest number of withdrawals from sports occur. Therefore, the way in which this support is perceived is of particular importance. If this support is perceived in a negative way, it has a negative impact from the environment that surrounds the child-athlete, it can result in stress, demotivation, conflicts between parents, coaches, and children, anxious behavior, exhaustion, and can cause giving up the sport in general. The presence of peers in the team environment will be seen as crucial for the benefits associated with sports participation. If in the environment around the child athlete, there are other children who share the same interests and goals, it can be an important source of support to stay engaged and motivated to do sports. Also, the role of the coach is crucial, both for proper growth and development and for a successful sports career. Children see a role model in their coach. If for some reason the child becomes disappointed with his coach, it is difficult to restore trust. On the other site, personal parental ambitions are also of particular importance. If the unfulfilled ambitions of the parents are placed before the ambitions of their children, and they try to achieve the unfulfilled through them, and at the same time they do not notice the impact this has on the children, a conflict arises in the young person: are they capable of fulfilling the parental ambitions? or pursue their goals.