Leader interaction patterns in the fields of mini-soccer and mini-basketball : a local study

Abstract

This qualitative study sets to explore the assumed differences in the fields of mini-basketball and mini-soccer when it comes to leader interaction patterns. It involves ethnographic research during which field observations and interviews were used. Sports leaders were observed interacting with their nine year old participants during play and children's reactions were taken note of, so as to be able to understand further the affects of the leaders' verbal and non-verbal interactive patterns on children. Supporting field observations, fifteen interviews with different leaders from both sport disciplines were carried out. The data gathered was analysed and linked with the related and significant literature. This data also helped in isolating the major differences and similarities between the coaching characteristics and qualities used by the different leaders working with children during tournaments. This was done through a comparative analysis. This study reveals important aspects with regards to leader interactions, perceptions, aims, qualities and behaviours used with nine year old children. Notwithstanding the knowledge that some leaders do have with regards to the children's development and thus the attitude and mentality that should go in line, there are still leaders who make regular use of negative interactive cues. This is mainly due to a competitive attitude on the field of play, which is mostly evident in a mini-soccer environment.