A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical education orientation and activity among youth ice hockey coaches (2024)

Raudasoja, I., Vasankari, T., Simula, M., Villberg, J., Vähä-Ypyä, H., & Kokko, S. (2024). Physical education orientation and activity among youth ice hockey coaches. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231225182

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Raudasoja, Iina; Vasankari, Tommi; Simula, Mikko; Villberg, Jari; Vähä-Ypyä, Henri; Kokko, Sami

Journal or series: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching

ISSN: 1747-9541

eISSN: 2048-397X

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 22/01/2024

Volume: OnlineFirst

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541231225182

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93165

Abstract

Sixty-two percent of Finnish children and adolescents aged 9–15 participate in sports club activities, yet only one-third of sports participants reach the recommended 60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The inadequate physical activity of participants underlines the need for physical education among those participating in sports club activities. Sports coaches have significant potential in promoting participants’ weekly overall physical activity beyond sports training, given their role of authority. However, coaches in Finland mainly work on a voluntary basis, with varying knowledge and capabilities. The aim of the study was to investigate the physical education orientation and activity of sports coaches, and the associations of these with the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of young sports participants. Questionnaire data from coaches (n = 26) and young sports participants aged 6–18 (n = 201), and accelerometer data from young sports participants (n = 293) were included in the analysis. The results indicated that even though sports coaches recognized the importance of physical education, they have not fully embraced their role as physical educators and promoters of weekly overall physical activity among young sports participants. The role of families was considered most significant in physical education. Coaches perceived their possibilities to influence the physical activity behavior of the participants as limited. Coaching education and experience had a positive relationship with the coaches’ activity in implementing physical education, highlighting the importance of coaching education. The findings suggest that there is a need to increase collaboration with coaches and families to ensure an adequate amount of weekly overall physical activity of children and adolescents.

Keywords: health; children (family members); families; physical activity; sports clubs

Free keywords: accelerometer; children; family; health; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; sports club

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1