NCJ Number
201065
Date Published
2003
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This report investigates whether sports and organized physical activities have a positive impact of youth antisocial behavior in Australia.
Abstract
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), identified over 600 organized sporting or physical activities offered throughout Australia. Analysis of these programs, 175 completed surveys, and a case study analysis provide the data for the report. The report details the research objectives and methodology, risk factors for antisocial behavior, the research evidence concerning the impacts of sports and physical activity programs, sport and physical activity programs in Australia, and the findings of the case studies. Major findings indicate that youth involvement and leadership programs conducted in safe and engaging environments play an important part for preventing antisocial behavior in youths. However, limitations of the data and the information obtained indicate that the impact of sports activities on the reduction of antisocial behavior is not a direct impact, but these activities do form an important mechanism through which positive personal and social development takes place. Other relevant findings indicate that most physical activity programs in Australia offer a mixture of sport, physical activity, and other outdoor components. Most of these programs seek to increase social skills and boost self-esteem and it was found that community involvement is an important aspect for program success. Overall, while the impact of sporting activities on antisocial behavior is not direct, sporting activities were found to reduce boredom and provide stimulation, which sets the stage for higher self-esteem and self-confidence, which may in turn work to reduce antisocial behavior in youths. Tables, figures, references, and appendices