Discover the Parental Support Program For Young Athletes Set to Expand Across Australia

A parenting support program for young athletes’ parents is expanding nationally, following a successful trial in Queensland that improved parental behaviour on the sidelines and strengthened their connection with their children. Researchers from CQUniversity are urging more parents to engage in a new study focused on sporting families.

The Play Well Triple P initiative, a collaborative effort between CQUniversity, the University of Queensland, the National Rugby League, and the Queensland Rugby League, has been lauded by parents of junior rugby league players for not only promoting positive sideline behaviours but also positively influencing their parenting style at home. This program, implemented during the 2021 and 2022 seasons for junior rugby league parents, is now poised to be scaled nationally, with the NRL planning to introduce its interactive online and text message support to leagues throughout Australia.

Dr. Cassy Dittman, the program’s co-developer and Head of Course in Psychology at CQUniversity, highlighted the program’s impact on parents’ attitudes towards family sports. She noted a noticeable shift towards increased positive behaviours, a conscious effort to avoid overly controlling actions, which often lead to family conflicts that can result in children quitting sports. Parents participating in the program reported applying their learnings not only to the sports setting but also towards reduced over-reactive responses at home.

Personalised text messages aligned with parents’ self-set behaviour goals from the online program were instrumental in supporting children in sports and encouraging parents to be constructive and supportive spectators during their kids’ games.

Dr. Dittman emphasised that the principles instilled by the Play Well Triple P program are universally applicable to all parents, not limited to junior rugby league. The program’s success has garnered national recognition, with the Australian Sports Commission acknowledging it as a standout initiative under the Play Well Participation Grant Program.

James Hinchey, the NRL’s General Manager of Game Development and Education, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s achievements and the NRL’s collaboration with Triple P on this innovative endeavour. The positive impacts anticipated extend beyond the sport itself to enriching families within the Rugby League community.

The program, involving 101 parents between the ages of 25 and 56 from diverse cultural backgrounds, equips parents with practical approaches, including shifting the focus away from winning, recognising and praising various aspects of their child’s performance, and demonstrating respect towards all involved in the sport.

Dr. Dittman is extending the program’s reach to other junior sports and invites Australian parents with children aged eight to 18 who partake in sports to participate in an anonymous online research survey exploring parents’ beliefs, behaviours, and involvement in youth sports.