Home⇛Asia-Pacific Journal of Advanced Research and Innovation⇛vol. 1 no. 1 (2025)

Sports Coaches’ Leadership Behaviors In A Collegiate Environment

Cherry Pie Pamittan | Kylamae Adriano | Mirelle Jean Caronan

Discipline: social sciences (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

This study explored the leadership behaviors of sports coaches as perceived by collegiate athletes at a university in Northern Philippines, utilizing the Polish adaptation of the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) by Walach-Bista (2013). Using a descriptive research design, student-athletes from four different sports disciplines participated by completing a validated questionnaire that assessed five dimensions of coaching leadership: training and instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, social support, and positive feedback. Results revealed that coaches were highly regarded for their emphasis on technical skill development, structured practice, and the provision of constructive reinforcement. Athletes also perceived their coaches as offering significant emotional support and frequently involving them in decision-making processes, reflecting strong participative and supportive leadership. While coaches maintained authority and set clear expectations, this was balanced with encouragement and open communication, indicating an adaptive leadership style. These findings highlight the importance of a well-rounded approach to coaching, where technical expertise is complemented by mentorship, positive reinforcement, and shared responsibility. The study underscores the value of coach education programs that promote both instructional competence and interpersonal skills. By providing empirical data on sports leadership in the Philippine collegiate context, this research addresses local gaps and suggests that effective coaching behaviors contribute to athlete satisfaction, motivation, and team cohesion. Further research is recommended to examine how these leadership behaviors influence long-term athlete outcomes across different sports and institutional settings.



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