Examining coaches’ perceived compliance with the UN convention on the rights of the child: The role of coaches’ knowledge, awareness, and value of the convention

This study draws on Bernstein's theory and Frame Factor Theory to examine coaches’ perceived knowledge, awareness, value, and compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the relationship between these factors. A questionnaire was created to measure these factors and was shown to provide a satisfactory model fit using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A total of 1234 coaches completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics indicated that coaches often comply with the UNCRC, have moderate knowledge/awareness of it, and value it moderately. Multiple linear regression revealed that knowledge, awareness, and value positively affect compliance. No significant differences were found between coaches of children and youth. Coaches received limited UNCRC knowledge and support from coach education programs, sports clubs, and National Sports Organizations. The results reveal areas of coaching that require further development to improve the implementation of children's rights together with a need for more support and better education within the sports system. Finally, the study argues for more explanatory research on factors that benefit and hinder the UNCRC's implementation.