ABSTRACT
Sport represents a complex, multilayered, and pervasive institution composed of athletes, coaches, and parents/families working collectively to shape experiences for those involved. As these individuals are presented with opportunities to engage each other around sport, they are shaped by forces that not only impact performance, but also shape how they reflect upon their experience. Athletes form relationships with their teammates allowing them to compete, resolve conflict, express themselves, and build cohesive bonds. Coaches exert influence over athletes by employing a set of soft skills emphasizing interpersonal communication necessary to shape team goals, provide instruction, enhance athletic skill, and relate to players as they confront challenges. Finally, for many families, sport consumes a significant portion of leisure activities; for larger families with multiple youth athletes, it is not uncommon for sport to constitute a central role in parent-child interaction and family leisure time (discussed at greater length in the following chapter by Nussbaum exploring Sport as Family Communication). As more family time and resources are devoted toward sport, there is further opportunity for family communication driven by sport participation.
