The Relationship between Coache's Power styles and Sport Commitment of Judo players in Tehran clubs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between coaches’ power styles and sport commitment of judo players in Tehran clubs. Statistical population was players in Tehran clubs (N=547). 225 athletes were selected randomly as subjects of the study. The data were collected using the Whitesid's (2000) coaches’ power and Scanlan's et al (1996) sport commitment questionnaires. Validity of instruments verified by the experts and their reliability were α=0.840 and α=0.899 respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient, one-sample t-test, Friedman ranking test and Multivariate linear regression was used for analyzing data. Analyzing data showed that coaches’ expert power style was in first rank. Referent, legitimate, reward and coercive power styles were in the next (p<0.05). There is positive significant relationship between all power components of the coaches’ and Judo players’ sport commitment also (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that coaches’ expert power is a significant predictor for athletes’ sport commitment only (p<0.05). Regarding our results, prioritizing sport commitment dimensions showed that involvement opportunity dimension is the first and commitment, sport enjoyment, personal investment, involvement alternatives and social constraints are in the next ranks. In summary, as coaches’ expert power style showed highest correlation and coercive power style showed least correlation with sport commitment, expert coaches with suited and correct behaviors can enhance athletes’ commitment.