The effect of coach–athlete fit on the coach–athlete relationship in team sport: Role of trust in coach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the structural relationship among trust in coach, coach–athlete fit, and coach–athlete relationship. It verified the mediating effect trust in coach on relationships, in relation to coach–athlete fit and coach–athlete relationship. A total of 190 soccer players (N = 190, male; 135, female; 55) registered with the Korea Football Association responded to the survey; and their career in soccer about 6.8 years. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling. As expected, coach–athlete fit and trust in coach were significantly related to coach–athlete relationship; in addition, the structural relationship among the three variables was significant. Finally, mediating effect of trust in coach between coach–athlete fit and coach–athlete relationship was showed significantly.