More Cheers and Fewer Tears: Examining the Impact of Competitive Engineering on Scoring and Attrition in Youth Flag Football

Abstract

Competitive engineering (CE) is a structurally-based competitive climate process designed to create more positive youth sport experiences. CE uses four implementation strategies (i.e., modifying sport structure, rules, facilities and equipment) in order to attain four athlete engagement goals (i.e., increase action and scoring, enhance personal involvement, keep scores close and maintain positive social relationships) designed to enhance intrinsic motivation outcomes. This exploratory study provided a preliminary test of CE by developing solutions to an existing attrition problem confronting a flag football league, with the specific purpose being to assess the effectiveness of a delayed-rush rule and a junior football equipment modification on scoring and attrition. Participants were 47 players who competed in a 3rd/4th grade flag football league and completed a short survey following the season. Results revealed scoring increased over 100% and attrition decreased by more than 50% compared to the previous season. Player survey data supported the rule and equipment modifications and their ability to minimize physicality and injury concerns and promote scoring opportunities.