Comparative Analysis of athletes’ fair play attitude according to specific variables conditioned by sports training and competition

Purpose of studyThe aim of this research is to emphasize the moral dimension's presence and its necessity into athletes training, reflected into the fair play attitudes and behaviors. The main objective is to identify some possible correlations between variables: fair play, moral values, to highlight at athlets their fair play into competitions and training. The issue aims to study the likelihood of a direct correlation between variables like general fair play, fair play in competition, fair play and moral values into society.Research MethodsThe research was conducted on a total of 40 subjects prepared by several variables (gender, age, sports, skill level). Analysis and interpretation of results was performed by using SPSS 11.0 for statistical analysis Pearson bivariate correlation between next variables: general fair play, fair play in competition, fair play and moral values into society.FindingsIn qualitative terms, the correlations found between variables of fair play in competition, general fair play and fair play in society point to the fact that athletes who exhibit a fair play behavior in competition will manifest the same type of behavior in social life. Norms, rules, and sports standard orders, as well as social norms and rules of social life mark on the athlets’ behavior, which are internalized and behave in a spirit of fair play.Respect for others, respect for opponents and team mates, learning and respect the rules of play and social behavior leads to the training in the spirit of fair play, a habit that occurs in any life situation.ConclusionsFair play does not mean only to follow the rules of the game, it transcribes the attitude that the athlete must have: to respect the opponent and keep his physical and mental integrity. An athlete will behave in an attitude of fair play when he will think to others. Moral values (altruism, honesty, faith, dignity, responsibility) and psychosocial ones (self, love, openness, social recognition, independence) are mainly related to individual networking with peers and social and moral desirability. © 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.