Abstract

Athlete burnout can be defined by two domains; physical and psychological exhaustion and cynicism and disengagement. Questions remain concerning risk and protective factors in burnout among student athletes. This study assessed factors hypothesized to increase the risk of burnout including years playing the sport, perceived sport climate (based on the Social Cognitive Theory), satisfaction with playing time, and hours spent dedicated to the sport each week. Data were collected on 112 athletes at a DIII college. Results from the multiple regression suggest that the most significant risk factors for athlete burnout are the perceived sport climate and the athlete’s satisfaction with playing time. Student athletes' perceptions of the climate created by their head coach predicted nearly 25% of burnout symptoms while satisfaction with the amount of time competing in game/match play predicted 5% of burnout symptoms. Coaches and their athletes will benefit from focused attention to providing some level of autonomy with regards to training and practice routines and methods. Athletes will also likely benefit from honest conversations about playing time being facilitated by their coach. This coaching practice may create a level of trust and understanding between the two as well as setting adequate player expectations.