Views of Girls' Parents on Swimming Competitions

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to examine the views of girls' parents toward swimming competitions. For this purpose, phenomenology design, which is a type of qualitative research method, was used in the study. The universe of the study consists of the parents of the athletes who are interested in swimming in Amasya, and the sample group is within the scope of seven parents. The sample group in the study was determined by the criterion sampling method. The criterion in the study is the condition of parents being interested in swimming sports of their children. A semi -structured interview form consisting of 11 questions was prepared by the researchers as a data -collection tool. In line with the permissions obtained, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents on the specified day and time, and the interviews were audio recorded in order not to cause data loss. The audio recordings obtained were transcribed, transferred to the Nvivo program and analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, it was determined that swimming contributes to children's socialization, fitness, self-confidence, and skill development, and that they direct their children to this sports branch because of factors such as fun, being safe in water, weight control, body development, and overcoming fears. In addition, it is determined that the clothes should be covered for the majority of the parents, and this is important for them in mixed competitions. On the other hand, it is determined that the children do not want to choose this branch of sports as a profession due to the fact that the income is not clear and it is not seen as a guaranteed profession. In addition to all these, regarding the swimming sport of the parents, it has been determined that children have concerns such as the danger of choking, injury, cramps, and swallowing water.