From Trainer to Practitioner: How Sports Science Contributes to Sport-Based Interventions Involving Young Offenders
The aim of this article is to initiate a dialogue between the fields of psychology, psychoeducation and criminology, and the sport sciences in order to synthesize recent advances in sport sciences and to enrich sports-based interventions with young offenders. First, a literature review was performed from four databases: ERIC, Criminal Justice Abstracts, Psycinfo, and Sport Discuss. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 8) were initially analyzed in a descriptive and comprehensive manner in light of the Theory of Change (Weiss, 1998). These analyses have shed light on the factors associated with the potential role of the coach in the positive development of youth. These factors relate to life skills and expertise of the trainer. In addition, the study identified the impacts that sport participation could have on psychological well-being of young offenders and on its developmental outcomes. It concludes with practical recommendations concerning the establishment of a sport-based intervention in rehabilitation environment. These interventions should be provided by an intervener who understands the young offender’s needs and adapts its interventions according to it, (b) has a holistic development philosophy, and. (C) establishes an horizontal relationship with the participants, and (d) provides them with positive feedback.