Personal Control and Antisocial Coaching: A Test of Self-Control and Control Balance Theories

Although the study of sports deviance has gained traction across a variety of academic disciplines, existing research often lacks theoretical guidance and ignores criminological insight. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study employs structural equation modeling to test the efficacy of self-control and control balance theory in explaining antisocial coaching behaviors among a sample of 196 Iranian soccer coaches. Results indicate that low self-control, sport control deficit, low informal sanction, and deviant motivation have direct effects on antisocial coaching. In addition, low self-control, sport control deficit, and situational provocation have indirect effects on antisocial coaching. These findings expand the scope of traditional criminological theories to the study of sports deviance and provide guidance for the development of proactive policy solutions aimed to reduce antisocial coaching behaviors.