Emotional Experiences of Youth Sport Parents I: Anger

Although there is general agreement that some sideline behavior at youth sport events is problematic (Goldstein & Iso-Ahola, 200814. Goldstein , J. D. and Iso-Ahola , S. 2008 . Determinants of parents’ sideline-rage emotions and behaviors at youth soccer games . Journal of Applied Social Psychology , 38 : 1442 – 1462 .

View all references), the reasons why parent spectators sometimes act inappropriately are not well understood. Given that the most problematic behaviors appear to be motivated by anger (Omli & LaVoi, 200932. Omli , J. and LaVoi , N. M. 2009 . Background anger in youth sport: A perfect storm? . Journal of Sport Behavior , 32 : 242 – 260 .

View all references), the purpose of this study is to identify sources of anger from the perspective of parents. Participants (n = 773, 59% female) described specific instances in which they got angry during a youth sport event. A grounded theory analysis yielded three types of perceived offenses—uncaring, unjust, and incompetent—and four categories of perceived offenders—referees, coaches, participants, and other parent spectators.