Understanding the Leadership and Environmental Mechanisms in a Super League Netball Club

in The Sport Psychologist

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Don Vinson School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom

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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3116-4828 *
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Anita Navin eXpert Sports Coaching Consultancy, Matlock, United Kingdom

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Alison Lamont School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, United Kingdom

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Jennifer Turnnidge School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

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Jean Côté School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2022-0104
Keywords:
personal assets framework; positive youth development; sport coaching
First Published Online:
17 Apr 2023
In Print:
Volume 37: Issue 2
Page Range:
106–118
Restricted access

The personal assets framework offers a lens to better understand the relationship between leadership in sport environments and the resultant (athlete) developmental outcomes. This investigation aimed to explore how leadership behaviors and the broader environment of a Super League netball club represented an effective context for athletes to flourish by exploring the interrelations between the personal assets framework’s dynamic elements, namely (a) quality social dynamics, (b) appropriate settings, and (c) personal engagement in activities. Twenty-eight stakeholders were interviewed either individually or in small groups. The results revealed that the environment constructed was shaped by many interrelated mechanisms, and all stakeholders influenced how the dynamic elements intersected with one another. Key leadership behaviors driving the positive environment of the club were related to individualization and generating perceptions of value. The stakeholders’ desire to understand the relationship between their individual contribution and Super League netball was also crucial.

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