The mediatory role of communication skills in the effect of the relationship quality between coach and athlete on commitment to sports

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of coach-athlete relationship quality on sports commitment and to determine whether communication skills mediate this relationship. The study specifically investigates how coaches' effective communication skills influence athletes' motivation, psychological resilience, and commitment to sports. Additionally, the research seeks to understand how enhancing the quality of coach-athlete relationships can contribute to athletes' long-term participation in sports. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 385 licensed athletes (253 males, 132 females) voluntarily selected from a population of athletes competing in various sports disciplines across Turkey. Data were collected using the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CARQ), the Communication Skills Assessment Scale (CSAS), and the Sports Commitment Questionnaire (SCQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and the HAYES Process plugin, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and mediation analysis via bootstrapping. Results: The findings revealed a strong and positive relationship between CARQ and CSAS (r = 0.636, p < 0.01) and a significant association between CARQ and SCQ (r = 0.588, p < 0.01). This indicates that the quality of the coach-athlete relationship significantly influences both athletes' communication skills and their level of sports commitment. Furthermore, CSAS was identified as a significant mediating variable in the relationship between CARQ and SCQ. The total effect of CARQ on SCQ was found to be B = 0.2587, p < 0.001, with a substantial portion of this effect being mediated through CSAS. These results highlight the critical role of communication skills in enhancing athletes' commitment to sports. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the coach-athlete relationship significantly impacts sports commitment, and communication skills serve as a strong mediating factor in this relationship. Establishing effective communication strategies within sports settings enhances athletes' motivation and strengthens their long-term engagement in sports. Furthermore, developing coaches' communication skills contributes to athletes' psychological well-being, fostering a more positive and supportive training environment. A trust-based communication approach not only supports individual athlete development but also improves team dynamics and overall sports performance. The study provides valuable insights into sports psychology and coaching science, emphasizing that the quality of the coach-athlete relationship is a key determinant of sports commitment. Keywords: Coach, Athlete, Communication, Commitment, Psychology