Attrition Survey

Conducted: January 2001, Victoria

The aim of this study was to identify the reasons why participants left calisthenics. The sample size comprised 189 respondents.

Findings	Implications to Calisthenics
How did you hear about calisthenics? 70-80% joined because a friend referred them to it
Withdrawals were spread evenly over all grades of clubs
Number of years involved in calisthenics: 37% withdraw in the first 1-2 years	New club members need nurturing. Often it can be the initial years pupils can feel isolated from the more competent team members.
Perceived level of competency was not a contributing factor to withdrawal
Best aspects of class Overwhelmingly the friendships
Worst aspects of class: Under 12's: the work (25%) The coach (14%) Length of practise (14%) Repetition (14%) Over 12's: Other team members (25%) The coach (16%) The work (14%) Length of class time (13%)	Coaches and administrators to be mindful of peer interaction at class. Make them feel good in a group setting and they will come back.
Enjoyment at competitions 90% really like performing at competitions Only 9% of over 12's stated that winning was important to them
Decision maker for withdrawal Largely the girl
Reasons for withdrawal: Over 12: 18% school work 18% loss of interest 8% coaches style was inappropriate 8% Injured 7% too time consuming Under 12’s 22% lost interest in the activity 17% wanted to do another sport (but 50% replaced it with another artistic sport)	See separate survey of student workload We had these girls and lost them. Some aspect of calisthenics did not suit them but they were still looking for artistic sports. Team cohesion would help keep them in the sport.