Subjective Typology of Leisure Constraints Among Middle School Baseball Coaches

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the subjective perceptions of leisure constraints among middle school baseball coaches and to categorize these perspectives into distinct typologies to provide a deeper understanding of their lived experiences. Method: TUsing Q-methodology, 32 middle school baseball coaches from Seoul were recruited as the P-sample. A Q-sample consisting of 25 statements was subjected to Q-sorting, and the resulting data were analyzed with PQMethod software to identify common patterns of subjectivity. Results: The analysis identified three distinct factors representing the participants’ perceived leisure constraints. Type 1 (Time and Workload Overload) was characterized primarily by chronic time deficits and the burden of irregular, excessive work schedules. Type 2 (Family and Interpersonal Relationships) emphasized the strain of maintaining social ties and the conflicts arising from domestic and familial responsibilities. Type 3 (Working Conditions and Physical Fatigue) focused on suboptimal professional environments and the accumulation of physical exhaustion, which emerged as the primary barriers to leisure engagement. Conclusion: These findings empirically demonstrate that leisure constraints for middle school baseball coaches are multifaceted, shaped by the interplay of professional structures, familial obligations, and social roles. The results underscore the necessity for systemic institutional support and multidimensional policy interventions that extend beyond individual-level solutions to protect coaches’ leisure rights and improve their overall quality of life.