Behind the dropout from organized sports : A qualitative study on dropouts from organized sports

Abstract Background: Dropout from organized sports is a common and recurring problem.Aim: What experiences do former participants in organized sports report ascontributing to their dropout and negative experiences of organized sports? Method: The study is based on qualitative interviews and was analyzed usingthematic analysis. Results: The results show that there are several factors behind dropout andnegative experiences. These factors are also often intertwined. The main factorsthat emerge from the results are: commitment, motivation, coaches, club demands,injuries, sense of community, pressure, life balance, physical demands, andperformance anxiety. Discussion: The reason behind an individual’s dropout is complex and is ofteninfluenced by several factors. Many of these factors are strongly linked to a lack ofautonomy, competence, relatedness, and flexibility.