Interaction between perception of parents’ behaviour and perception of sportpersonship behaviour in young participants

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to examine the relationships among players' perception of their parents` behaviour and their sportsmanlike conducts. The sample comprised 809 male footballers that belonged to affiliated teams of beginners, infantile and cadet categories. They completed questionnaires that assessed parents'involvement and sportsmanlike behaviour in the sporting practise. Results showed a positive relationship between parents support in the sporting practise regarding the sportsmanlike behaviour, as well as a positive relationship between the unsuitable parents' behaviours with respect to maladaptative habits. Finally, we highlight that promote a suitable parents involvement in the sport can lead the appear of more sportsmanlike players behaviours in the game.