The Role of Parents and Coaches on The Achievement of Little League Baseball Athletes: Perceptions of The Stages of Specialization and The Risk of Injury in Athletes
Gano Sumarno (a*), Wildan Alfia Nugroho(a), Mesa Rahmi Stephani(a), Ricky Wibowo(a)

a) Physical Education Teacher Education for Elementary School, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229 40154, Indonesia
*ganosumarno[at]upi.edu

Abstract

Specialization of young athletes too early has been associated with decreased performance, fatigue, and risk of injury, although not much is known for sure. Parents and coaches are the athlete^s support system for success. However, the lack of knowledge of the athlete^s specialization phase and the possibility of injury in little league baseball need to be investigated to maintain the career of little league baseball athletes. This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional study design. Participants as many as 58 parents and 20 coachers have volunteered as respondents in this study. The results show that as many as 43% of parents have understood the specialization phase of athletes, while 53% of coaches have a better understanding of specialization. Parents have a direct influence on the athlete^s specialization. The implications of this research can be used as evaluation material for clubs and federations to convey to parents and coaches to keep athletes from risking injury in the future by following each athlete^s specialization phase correctly.

Keywords: young athletes, social support, injury

Topic: Youth development through sport