WHO'S TO BLAME FOR BRUTAL BALLGAMES?

In the heat of a soccer match, a youth runs toward the goal, in hot pursuit of the ball. Suddenly, he gets off a kick, missing the ball, but landing a foot squarely on an opponent's shin. Was it an accident or a calculated maneuver? The person to ask might be his coach--or his mother and father.

In a study of morality and motivation in sports conducted at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., teenage athletes rated coaches as having the most influence on their likelihood to be overly aggressive or to cheat in sports. Parents were a factor, too, with fathers having the most influence on cheating and mothers affecting aggression. "The coach is a critical component of the competitive climate," indicates Joan Duda, professor of sports psychology. She says many coaches create a climate that motivates players, yet reinforces fair play. "However, if players perceive that the coach accepts or endorses foul play, then they are more likely to [play dirty] on the field."

Previous studies have shown that ego orientation is another factor in ballgame brutality. Duda explains that task-oriented athletes believe success is gained by exerting effort, mastering skills, and personal improvement. These players are less likely to cheat, injure others, or try to intimidate opponents. On the other hand, the ego-oriented athlete views success as being superior to others by outperforming them or by performing equally while exerting...