The Impact of Recreational Sports Team Support and Commitment to the Team on Players' Quality of Life

Abstract

The increase of obesity coupled with diabetes is a global concern. Regular exercise is one of the factors in preventing obesity as well as diabetes and some mental health problems in Australia (ABS 4719.0, 2008). Whilst gyms facilitate people to become and stay fit, recreational team sports provide a social and physical platform to wellbeing. This study explores how support from recreational sports team players impacts on commitment to the sports team and subsequently the quality of life of a team sport player. The study surveyed players from public and private recreational sports covering a variety team sports. The results show social-emotional support rather than instrumental support received from players drives a player’s commitment to the team. Furthermore, a player’s commitment fully mediates the impact of support received from the team a player’s perception of quality of life. This highlights the importance of getting players to commit to the team, and for team leaders and sports centres to foster social emotional support.