Aggression in high school sports: a qualitative study of coaches' perspectives.

Abstract

This study explored the phenomenon of aggression in high school sports, focusing on the perspectives of high school coaches. The research was motivated by three research questions, namely: (1) What types of aggression are observed by coaches in high school sports? (2) What systemic factors do coaches attribute to the expression of aggressive behaviours in high school sports? (3) How do coaches encourage and/or discourage aggressive behaviour in high school sports? Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from a sample population of participant coaches, and this data was analysed with the aim of identifying common themes. The research findings suggest aggression to be a complex and dynamic phenomenon, as seen from the perspectives of high school sports coaches. These findings also offer insights into how aggression may be effectively addressed, by focusing on elements such as clarity, consistency and communication within the context of high school sports.