TOWARD A MULTIDIMENSIONAL DEFINITION OF SPORTSMANSHIP

One major problem with research conducted on sportsmanship is the abse nce of an accepted definition. The purpose of this study was to attemp t to derive a definition of sportsmanship by applying premises from so cial psychological theories and research. A major assumption of this p erspective is that sportsmanship meanings and labels attached to given behaviors are learned through interpersonal interactions with various sport participants and that eventually a consensual agreement develop s regarding the nature of sportsmanship. It thus follows that a meanin gful definition of sportsmanship should be obtained through the athlet es themselves. In this study, 1056 male and female athletes completed a questionnaire which contained various items pertaining to sportsmans hip. Results from a factor analysis revealed the presence of 5 factors corresponding to the respect and concern for: a) one's full commitmen t toward sport participation, b) the rules and officials, c) social co nventions, d) the opponent, as well as e) a negative approach toward s port participation. Implications of this multidimensional definition f or future sportsmanship research are drawn.