This study aimed to explore the effect of the coach- athlete relationship (CAR) on participation in the adult community initiative Back to Netball (B2N). Coaches and participants of two B2N clubs participated in a single interview or focus group: Interviews were conducted with coaches, and focus groups were administered with participants. Both the focus group and interview followed a semi structured interview design, consisting of questions generated by drawing on relevant literature. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on revised transcripts to obtain emerging codes and themes. Findings and discussion document the experiences of the CAR within B2N sessions. Three subsequent themes; the determinative position of the coach, participants needs and how coaches fulfil these, and coaches influence on the session environment are identified. Dimensions of the CAR and self-determination theory (SDT) were utilised to explore the CAR in B2N clubs and see how the CAR effects participants self-determined motivation. Findings provide an understanding of how the CAR facilitates engagement and ongoing attendance, and shows how coaching behaviours and the session environment effects participation, within the B2N population. This may influence future coaching practices and provide information to B2N coaches for desired coaching practices. However, the study calls for additional research surrounding the CAR in community sports initiatives and the effect of the CAR on participant wellbeing.
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