Qualitative research on the relationship between masculinity and hocke
y violence has suggested that players endorsing traditional masculine
behavior were more likely to engage in violence than players who held
weaker masculine beliefs. Data were collected from white, middle class
players on five Toronto hockey teams representing two different age g
roups (14.3 and 17.7 years respectively) and skill levels (Bantam and
Junior A). Moderate support was found for the predicted relationship b
etween higher masculinity and increased violence, particularly at the
preprofessional Junior A level. Subscales of the Brannon Masculinity S
cale, applied to a sport situation, were seen to be a valid measure of
gender typing. Increased levels of violence (especially fist fights),
more than playing or skating skills were seen to lead to greater perc
eption of competence by both teammates and coaches.