Triadic Relationships between Sportspersonship Orientation, Perception of Coach's Sportsperson Behavior and Acceptance of Cheating: Theoretical Approach to Reduce Cheating Behavior of Young Football Players

Abstract

The aim of this study to examine the direct and indirect effects of sportsmanship orientation and athletes' perception of sportsmanship behaviors of their coaches on their cheating acceptance behaviors. Two hundred thirty-six young football players were included in the study. Data was collected by using Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale, Attitudes to Moral Decision-making in Youth Sport Questionnaire, and Sportspersonship Coaching Behaviors Scale. Mediation models including acceptance of cheating, sportspersonship orientation and athletes' perception of sportspersonship from coaches were tested. A path model showing the effect of sportspersonship and athletes' perception of sportspersonship from coaches on cheating behaviors was also tested. The results revealed that some components of sportspersonship orientation has direct and indirect impacts on cheating behaviors which athletes' perception of sportspersonship from coaches mediated. Furthermore, athletes' perception of sportspersonship from coaches had direct and indirect effects on acceptance of cheating which mediated by some components of sportspersonship orientation.