Abstract :
[en] Identified all around the world and affecting all sports, adolescents’ dropout represents one serious concern for sport organizations as well as for public authorities. Among studies that focused on that phenomenon, Crane & Temple (2014) systematic review pointed out that intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints are more frequently associated with dropping out of youth sport than structural constraints. Back et al. (2022)’s meta-analysis confirmed the central role of motivation. However, the multifactorial origin of dropout could be more considered. With the support of the FVWB (volleyball federation of the French speaking part of Belgium), we identified the 971 10-18 year-old players who did not renew their membership between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons (18.6% of that age category). An online survey (Lickert scales) was implemented in January 2021. The questionnaire focused, among other things, on 12 typical factors linked to dropout and COVID-19 that was a potential new aspect. Results are presented twofold: descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Only two factors are considered as important/very important by at least one half of the former players: (1) Relationships with teammates, (2) Lack of enjoyment; COVID-19 was emphasized by only 20.3% of them (ranked 8 out of 13 items). The profile of the factors corresponds largely to previous data from the literature and puts the impact of the pandemic into perspective. According to model-based clustering and Bayesian Information Criterion, subjects were divided into two clusters. Subjects of the second cluster (n=87) were significantly younger and had less experience playing volleyball. Furthermore, Rules, Autonomy, Teammates, Expenses, Health, Enjoyment, Skill-, Skill+, and Coach were significantly more important. However, Organization was significantly important for cluster 1 (n=81). It seems that when organizational aspects are not involved, the origin of the dropout stems from a combination of factors that coaches and clubs should take into consideration.
