David Goodman -SRG 2006
Weiss, M., Kipp, L.
Français
Unsportsmanlike attitudes and actions in youth ice hockey are learned through modeling of and approval by significant adults and peers (Weiss, Smith, & Stuntz, 2008). The present study extended the knowledge base by assessing: (a) competitive league and gender differences on attitudes regarding unsportsmanlike actions, (b) relationships between perceived approval by significant others and youths’ attitudes toward unsportsmanlike actions, (c) whether specific hockey situations affect legitimacy of acting in unsportsmanlike ways, and (d) youth hockey players’ NHL role models and whether type of model is related to youths’ sportsmanlike attitudes. Youth hockey players (192 male, 86 female) representing atom (M = 10.9 yrs), peewee (M = 12.6 yrs), and bantam/midget (M = 14.8 yrs) leagues read three scenarios about unsportsmanlike actions and responded to questions assessing legitimacy, intention, perceived social approval, and situation-specific legitimacy and intention of performing the actions. Analyses of variance showed that legitimacy and intention of engaging in unsportsmanlike acts increased with competitive league, as did perceptions of approval by best friend, teammates, coach, and parents. Male players scored higher than female players on legitimacy, intention, and best friend, teammate, and coach approval. Regression analyses revealed strong relationships between perceived social approval and unsportsmanlike attitudes, with best friend and teammate approval the strongest predictors. Of the hockey situations, players indicated they were most tempted to engage in unsportsmanlike behavior if it would help win the championship game and if one’s opponent did it first. Chi-square analyses showed that players scoring in the upper 20% on legitimacy of unsportsmanlike actions were more likely than those in the lower 20% to name aggressive, fighter players as their NHL idols and less likely to name gentlemanly, skillful players. Results extend research on individual and social factors influencing endorsement of unsportsmanlike behaviors in youth ice hockey.
2010 Slide Presentation
Contact Us
