What is quality youth sport programming? A Delphi study of international scholar perspectives

Organized youth sport has long been considered a valuable developmental context. However, further empirical work is needed to capture the overarching attributes most representative of quality youth sport programs. Such empirical work is needed to better guide programming implementation and policy efforts globally. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to develop a practical set of indicators to understand and assess the quality of youth sport programs worldwide. A Delphi method was used to capture scholars’ perspectives. A total of 42 participants from 18 countries across six continents participated in the study across three rounds. The analysis conducted resulted in 82 indicators that were categorized into seven high order categories: (1) Appropriate organizational structure; (2) Deliberate and appropriate instructional design; (3) A safe and positive program climate; (4) Equity and accessability; (5) Focus on youth enjoyment and experience; (6) Development of holistic youth outcomes; and, (7) Inclusion and support of adult leaders and personnel. Based on these findings, practical implications are provided to help inform youth sport programming, research, and policy globally.