Enrique J. Garcés de Los Fayos

Some Factors in Sanctions for Unsportsmanlike Behavior of Players and Coaches in Youth Soccer

Reasons and motives for sanctions imposed on players and coaches in youth soccer were examined to evaluate frequency and type of infraction by competition category (Under 12, 13–14, 15–16, and 17–18 years). Analysis of the first 30% of competitions yielded 1,202 sanctions of 340 teams with 6,120 players and 340 coaches. For older groups, the number of sanctions for aggressive conduct by the players was significantly higher; frequency of sanctions imposed on the coaches for disrespect also was significantly higher, and those for aggression were higher although not significantly so; the number of sanctions for disrespect by players was not different. Transgressions of the game rules recorded by officials are a valid representation of a pedagogical factor important for coaches and players. Implementing informative programs for knowledge and conduct of rules is suggested.