Parent-spectatorship in minor ice hockey

Abstract

Over recent years there have been isolated incidents of parental-spectator misconduct at minor hockey games that have received national media attention. To appreciate this social phenomenon in Canadian rinks, it is imperative to grasp the significance of the parent-child relationship to parent-spectatorship and the experienced emotions of parent-spectatorship. Located within a conceptual framework informed by theories of emotion (Lazarus, 1966, 1991, 1999; Weiner, 1977, 1980b, 1980a, 2006) and parent-child bond (Bowlby, 1982, 1999), this exploratory-based study delves further into the emotional experience encompassing parents' relationship with their children and the consequences it may have on spectator behaviour. Results indicate that participants encounter a multitude of emotions as a consequence of being both parent and spectator simultaneously. The present study also responds to an apparent lacuna of research currently investigating parent-spectator misconduct. In doing so it provides insights that may assist scholars and sport practitioners wishing to create safe and enjoyable environments for parents to watch their children engage in sport.