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PERCEPTIONS OF FEMALE FORMER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES ABOUT THE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions female high school former athletes had regarding their athletic experiences. Fifty female former athletes who had been seniors at five Omaha, Nebraska public high schools for the 1981-82 school year were interviewed during the summer of 1983. The interviewees were selected through a random sampling procedure. A review of the literature was undertaken to establish a background of information relating to the effects of participation on athletes. The research tool was a structured interview with open-ended questions. Two panels of experts and three pilot studies were utilized in developing the interview schedule. The data were analyzed by identifying major themes evident in the responses and reported through descriptive narrative and paraphrased statements. The findings indicated that female former athletes feel socially accepted by their peers. Half of the subjects also believed female athletes were viewed as less feminine than their nonathletic counterparts. Some participants had negative feelings about nonstarting positions on teams, but all described the experience as fun, exciting, and challenging. They would advise younger girls to participate in interscholastic sport programs. Female athletes continue to participate in physical activities on a regular basis after graduation. They feel their goals and aspirations are not affected by participation. Female athletes report that relationships with coaches are important and directly affect the experience. Recommendations were made for ways in which educators could provide the most valuable experience for the female athletes. The recognition received from classmates and the self image of the participant should be carefully channeled. Coaches should make every effort to enhance the self confidence of the athlete, provide good examples of sportsmanship, and treat all athletes fairly. The information and recommendations presented in this study could be used as a basis for training of coaches and improving interscholastic programs for girls.
Subject Area
School administration
Recommended Citation
ZINN, SUSAN CLAIRE, "PERCEPTIONS OF FEMALE FORMER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES ABOUT THE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE" (1984). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8427919.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8427919