Social skills and sports: Pupils of an elite school of sports are more competitive and cooperative

Abstract

It is frequently observed that individuals who actively practice sports also do well in other domains of life, e.g., the labor market. While the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is often argued that sports participation is embedded in a setting which fosters qualities which prove advantageous beyond sports. In the present paper, we examine competitive and cooperative behavior in children aged 10–13 years. Rather than on individual levels of sports participation, the focus is on the institutional setting of an elite school of sports (ESS) as compared to regular upper secondary schools. To obtain measures for competitiveness and cooperativeness, we utilize experimental methods which are established in economics. Our results show that ESS students are both more competitive and more cooperative than their counterparts at regular schools.

Reliability and Interrater Agreement: Development and Validation of a Universal Values in Sport Instrument

“…Athletes must understand the significance of working together towards a common goal, regardless of individual differences or personal agendas. Cooperation within teams and across different stakeholders in the sports environment contributes to a supportive and unified community (Haas et al 2023); (b) Communication: Effective communication is paramount in sports, both on and off the field. Clear and open communication among teammates, coaches, and stakeholders not only enhances performance but also builds trust and camaraderie (Purnomo, Aisyah, et al 2024;Risma et al 2024;Warner, Kerwin, and Walker 2013).…”