Abstract
Background
Sports have a focus on increasing participation, which contributes to increasing population levels of physical activity, social cohesion and longevity of the sport. The primary aim of this study was to examine reasons for drop-out of a popular team sport in Australia, Field Hockey and identify opportunities to increase participation.
Methods
This longitudinal study obtained routinely collected registered player data from Hockey New South Wales over two consecutive years, and survey data from registered players who dropped out. Logistic regression models identified demographic subgroups who were more likely to drop out of sport, and the reasons for dropping out.
Results
In 2018, 8,463 (31%) of hockey players did not return to play hockey after the previous season and 805 (10%) of these completed a survey. Specific groups who were more likely to stop playing included 5–6 years (OR: 2.1, 95% CIs 1.8, 2.6; reference: 12–17 years), females (OR: 1.1, 95% CIs 1.3, 1.2; reference: males), Indigenous (OR: 1.2, 95% CIs 1.1, 1.4; reference: non-indigenous), most disadvantaged (OR: 1.1, 95% CIs 1.0, 1.2; reference: least disadvantaged) or regional and remote (1.1, 95% CIs 1.0, 1.2; reference: major cities). Top reasons for drop out were; medical/age (17%), change in circumstances (16%) and high cost (13%), lack of time (13%) and lack of enjoyment (7%).
Conclusions
This research makes recommendations to sport on how to reduce dropout and specifically amongst 5–6 year olds, females, Indigenous, disadvantaged and regional or remote areas through enjoyable flexible, modifiable versions of the game.
A longitudinal study of infection with genotypes of Theileria orientalis in calves and introduced cattle at Dorrigo, New South Wales, and the effect on weight gains
