Team Building Using a Challenge Ropes Course Experience in Youth Sport

Authors

  • Kelsea L.W. Stewart Nipissing University
  • Jeremie Carreau Wendigo Lake Expeditions
  • Mark W Bruner Nipissing University

Keywords:

Youth Sport, Team Building, Challenge Ropes Course, Psychological

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of a challenge ropes course team building (TB) intervention for increasing group cohesion in a youth sport team using a mixed methods approach. Athletes (n = 10, Mage = 12.3) and coaches from a competitive female U14 ringette team participated in a one-day challenge ropes course experience approximately one month into the season. Questionnaires were completed to assess group cohesion pre- and post-intervention. Interviews were also conducted to further explore the efficacy of the intervention on the group’s dynamics. Results revealed that task cohesion significantly increased post-intervention. Additional benefits were also illuminated through interviews including increased trust, teamwork, communication/interaction, camaraderie, and team development. The findings support the use of a TB intervention using a challenge ropes course experience for a youth sport team.

Author Biographies

Kelsea L.W. Stewart, Nipissing University

School of Physical and Health Education

Mark W Bruner, Nipissing University

School of Physical and Health Education

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Published

2016-02-03

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2016): Revue phénEPS-PHEnex Journal

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond

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