Identification and Prioritization of Ethical Criteria for Handball Coaches in the Northwestern Provinces of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education, National Skills University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Azerbaijan Charkhe Niloofari Higher Education Institute, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and prioritize the factors influencing sports ethics among handball coaches in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan provinces of Iran. This applied study employed a descriptive–survey design. The statistical population comprised all 120 active handball coaches in the selected provinces. Given the limited population size, a census method was adopted. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, exploratory factor analysis, and the Friedman test. The findings classified the factors influencing coaches’ sports ethics into six dimensions: educational, psychological, legal, economic, cultural, and managerial. Collectively, these dimensions explained 65.85% of the total variance. The Friedman test also revealed significant differences in the priorities assigned to the identified factors. Interest in and a positive attitude toward sports ethics, coaches’ knowledge of behavioral values, ethics education in coaching courses, fairness in resource allocation, professional ethics, and the establishment of ethical standards in handball venues were identified as the most important components of the six respective dimensions. The findings indicate that promoting sports ethics requires an integrated approach emphasizing continuous education, implementation of ethical codes, managerial transparency, equitable resource allocation, and reinforcement of professional culture. These findings can provide a basis for policymaking and planning by the Handball Federation and other sports organizations to promote professional ethics and improve coaching practices.

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 10 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 August 2026

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