Motivational Differences of Swimming Participants in the Campus Environment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess motives of swimming participants within the university campus environment and to examine whether differences in swimmers' gender, age, affiliation status within the university, frequency of participation, and classification varied in their participation objectives. One hundred and ninety-two swimmers at a Midwestern university completed a motivation questionnaire designed to assess 35 objectives for participation. Participants self-identified as a member of one of three teams (varsity, recreational club sport, or masters) or as an informal swimming participant. Descriptive statistics and univariate statistical techniques where used in the analysis of the data. Many differences in participation motives were evident from the analysis of independent variables. Results of the study were examined using tenants of the athlete situation interaction model of motivation. Translational outcomes discovered and outlined from the research include implications for coaches and administrators at all levels within the university setting.