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Unsuccessful Transitions: Understanding Dropout from the Athlete's Perspective

Andronikos, Georgios; Westbury, Tony; Martindale, Russell J.J.

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Abstract

Limited studies have investigated the experiences of athletes who did not "make it" to elite level. To target this research gap, this study accessed and investigated this hard to reach population in order to understand the development and transition experiences of athletes who did not manage to negotiate successfully the junior to senior elite transition. A qualitative methodology was utilised and six athletes were interviewed. Inductive analysis showed that an unsuccessful transition from junior to senior level is highly individual and is attributed to a combination, rather than a single factor. The factors emerging from the work, which can increase the risk of athletes dropping out included: poor communication; inappropriate support; balancing a dual career without support or with excessive pressure; and a win focus environment during the development stage. Implications for coaches and policy makers with regards to impacting positively on both the transition experience itself and earlier foundation experiences are discussed further.

Citation

Andronikos, G., Westbury, T., & Martindale, R. J. (2019). Unsuccessful Transitions: Understanding Dropout from the Athlete's Perspective. Athens Journal of Sports, 6(4), 195-214. https://doi.org/10.30958/ajspo.6-4-2

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 22, 2019
Publication Date 2019-12
Deposit Date Nov 4, 2019
Publicly Available Date Nov 4, 2019
Electronic ISSN 2241-7915
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 6
Issue 4
Pages 195-214
DOI https://doi.org/10.30958/ajspo.6-4-2
Keywords Dropout, Elite Sport, Talent Development, Transition from Junior to Senior Level
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2286461

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