Group cohesion and teambuilding through adventure : experiences of a South African netball team in preparation for the world championships

Abstract

The aims of the study were to investigate the experiences of individual members of a national sport, in this case netball, to determine if participants in an activity such as an adventure programme could promote group cohesion and teambuilding; and secondly to analyse the team’s general performance to determine their level of sport participation and achievement. The researchers’ theoretical paradigm was a systemic point of view. As a method of inquiry, the 12 members of the South African netball team were requested, after participation in an adventure programme, to write an essay (based on two questions) of their experiences during the day. These essays were subjected to discourse analysis. Four primary discourses were found, namely trust as a necessary ingredient in a group; the need for relationships to be formed among team members; the ability of teambuilding activities to lead to confidence and possible success; and the importance of common goals for teams. These findings affirm that adventure as medium contribute to the promotion of cohesion and teambuilding. The second inquiry was to determine the specific teams’ general functioning. The Multi-Classification System for Sport Psychology was applied. The finding was that the team operates on Level 2 of the classification system. It means that for a higher level of sport participation and achievement, further psychological assistance would probably be necessary. The study supports the necessity of psychological preparation for participants in sport, especially where international participation is concerned. Copyright