The social costs and benefits of volunteering for a public agency

Researchers have highlighted the many benefits for children who participate in youth sports. However, little research has been conducted to examine the experiences of parent volunteer coaches. The lack of research on parent volunteers is particularly surprising given the increased importance of volunteers for many municipal agencies. This study explored the social costs and benefits for volunteer coaches at a municipal park district. The study was conducted with the support of the Urbana (IL) Park District. A total of 14 volunteer youth sport coaches were interviewed. Utilizing grounded theory, the data were organized into categories and subcategories through open, axial, and selective coding. The findings were organized into six main themes: the decision to coach; children first, parents second; it’s not just about soccer; the most challenging aspects; program improvements needed; and core groups. Ultimately, the findings from this study led to the generation of a new theory called the theory of secondary outcomes for parent volunteers. This theory states that while most parents volunteer primarily as a way of helping their children, parents also realize secondary benefits through their volunteer involvement. The theory posits that these benefits likely play an important role in the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers at municipal agencies.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Kerins, Andrew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shinew, Kimberly J.
• Payne, Laura L.
• McDowell, Jacqueline
• Harvey, Idethia S.

• social capital
• volunteerism
• youth sport
• the theory of secondary outcomes for parent volunteers

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Andrew Kerins

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/31215

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/31215