Competent cultural leadership in youth sport: A modified delphi study

Abstract

Research into the social environment in youth sport has identified the characteristics of well-functioning social processes, structures, and group culture, and has shown how coaches have a special role as a cultural leader. This study is designed as a modified Delphi study with three aims: (a) identify cultural leadership competencies that are needed for coaches working in youth sport contexts, (b) rank the competencies relative to each other, and (c) define what competent cultural leadership in youth sport is. Data were collected in Denmark among expert coach educators, and analysis was an iterative process consisting of three rounds of qualitative (four focus group interviews) and quantitative investigations (questionnaire 1 and questionnaire 2). Cultural leadership competences have three domains: knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Knowledge about youth sport environments, skills to create an inclusive environment, and a committed, present and trustworthy attitude - all reached 100% consensus rate. Competent cultural leadership (with 94% consensus rate) was finally defined as a specific process of facilitating, maintaining and, where necessary, changing norms and values to ensure a quality youth sport environment; such process involves helping young athletes to build trusting relationships and feel connected to the environment and requires the cultural leader to communicate clearly about norms and values and reflect on their own and others’ values and behaviors. The study contributes to contemporary literature on the leadership role of a youth sport coach.