The Relationship between Autonomy - Supportive Behaviours of Coaches and Sport Commitment of Iranian Elite Fencing Players

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between autonomy-supportive behaviours of coaches and sport commitment of Iranian elite fencing players. This study used a descriptive correlation field method. The statistical population were comprised of all fencing players of premier league in Iran and the statistical sample equalled the population (n=114). In order to collect data, demographic questionnaire, autonomy-supportive behaviour in sport questionnaire (α=0.83) and sport commitment questionnaire (α=0.86) were used. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data and in order to determine the relationship, Pearson correlation coefficient and to compare, independent t test were used. The results showed a significant relationship between the autonomy–supportive behaviours of coaches and sport commitment (r=0.617, P<0.01). Also, the findings showed a significant different in the amount of autonomy–supportive behaviours of coaches and the sport commitment between successful and unsuccessful teams (P<0.01). Generally, autonomy-supportive behaviour of coaches was an important factor in athletes’ sport commitment.