Understanding the culture of adult sideline behaviour in youth rugby league from a Social Learning Theory perspective

Hardwick, AE ORCID: 0000-0003-4135-1627, Elliott, S, Seddon, AL ORCID: 0000-0002-6613-6010, Ryrie, A ORCID: 0000-0001-9150-2038, Lewis, C, Cronin, C ORCID: 0000-0002-1687-4437, Cullinane, D, Fitton-Davies, K ORCID: 0000-0002-1853-9667, Vaughan, S, Boyd, V and Whitehead, AE (2026) Understanding the culture of adult sideline behaviour in youth rugby league from a Social Learning Theory perspective. Managing Sport and Leisure. pp. 1-17. ISSN 2375-0472

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Abstract

Research Question: Adults are key to children's sport participation and enjoyment, though their influence can also be negative. This novel study explored the influence of adult involvement on youth rugby league players' experiences through the lens of Social Learning Theory (SLT).

Research Methods: Data were captured from a rigorous multi-method data set across two clubs, including field notes of 14 games, parent interviews (n = 14) and focus groups with players in U7's to U16's competitions (n = 4). Data were analysed abductively using a novel theory of SLT from Akers.

Results and Findings: findings categorised into the theory's four themes (differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement, and imitation).

Implications: The study highlights the role of adults (both parents and coaches) in creating and reinforcing a culture of sideline behaviour, be it positive or negative, within the interconnected relationships among the key youth sport constituents. Findings offer significant recommendations for future research to consider the broader context of sideline behaviours, and for governing bodies aiming to improve sideline behaviour to implement multilayered interventions supporting improvements in all adult sideline behaviour rather than a single group (e.g. just parents).

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	3504 Commercial services
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date of acceptance:	26 July 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	5 August 2026
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2026 10:29
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 10:29
DOI or ID number:	10.1080/23750472.2026.2711227
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29105

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