Role Behavior and the Coach-Athlete Interaction

Abstract

The characteristic role behaviors for both coaches and athletes in the athletic situation in the need areas of inclusion, control and affection were defined by coaches (N=40). Two modified versions of Schutz's FIRO-B were utilized. The results indicated that coaches and athletes were in complete agreement concerning the perceived role behaviors for both coaches and athletes. Coaches were perceived as the initiators of control; athletes, the recipients. Both coaches and athletes were perceived as being relatively passive in regards to initiating interactions (inclusion behavior) and de veloping warm personal relations (affection behavior). These latter two characteristics could contribute naturally to an incompatibility in the coach-athlete interaction.