Abstract:
Hom' s (2008) model of coaching effectiveness provides a framework that outlines the
antecedent factors that influence coaches' behaviours as well as the way in which
coaches' behaviours can influence the psychosocial development of athletes. Perceived
coaches" behaviours have been shown to predict the self-reported unsportspersonlike
behaviours of young athletes (Shields et aI., 2007). However, very few studies have
examined actual coaches' sportspersonship behaviours (Arthur-Banning et aI., 2009; Cote
et aI., 1993; Trudel e t aI., 1991). The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate
the relationships between coaches' and athletes' sportspersonship orientations and
behaviours. Participants included competitive male basketball coaches (N = 5) and their
male athletes aged 10 to 13 (N= 48). Two investigators systematically observed coaches'
sportspersonship behaviours. Subsequently, coaches and athletes completed
questionnaires based on the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale
(MSOS; Vallerand et aI., 1997). The results showed that coaches' self-reported
sportspersonship orientations and athletes' perceptions of their coaches behaviours were
consistent with coaches' actual behaviours for respect for the rules and officials as well as
for social conventions. A series of multiple regressions were conducted in order to
determine whether or not athletes' perceptions of their coaches' sportspersonship
behaviours predicted the sportspersonship orientations of athletes. The only significant
regression model was for athletes' negative approach toward sport participation. The
results also suggest that the MSOS has reliability and validity issues.
