Investigation of the opposing views and self-control levels of students in the Faculty of Sports Sciences in terms of moral values

This research examines the levels of moral maturity, respect for opposing views in sports, and self-control among students participating in sports at Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Sports Sciences in Turkey. The research addresses the behaviors of students who engage in sports and reveals the social dimension of these behaviors. The research was conducted using a relational scanning model. The research involved 464 university students who participate in sports and volunteer. Demographic information was collected through a three-part data collection form that includes a scale for respect for opposing views in sports, a scale for self-control, and a scale for moral maturity. The analysis of the data was performed using statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, frequency/percentage, and normality tests, and Mann- Withney U test, Kruskal Wallis H ve Spearman Correlation Tests were used for data that did not show a normal distribution. The Bonferroni correction method has been used to check for Type I errors. The findings show differences based on variables such as gender, education level, type of sport, economic status, and team loyalty. Male students scored higher in the sub-dimension of hatred towards the competitor, while female students scored higher in the sub-dimension of respect towards the competitor. According to the level of education, undergraduate students have more respect for their opponents. Students who participate in team sports have a stronger feeling of hatred towards their opponents compared to those who engage in individual sports. Students from a medium economic level have more feelings of hatred towards competitors, while students from a good economic level exhibit more positive behaviors. While fanatic students have more feelings of hatred towards the rival, the spectators have more respect. As age increases, hatred towards the opponent decreases, moral maturity increases, and there is no change in respect towards the opponent with the increase or decrease in age. As the age of the sport increases, respect towards the opponent increases, and there is no difference in the increase or decrease of sports age regarding hatred towards the opponent and levels of moral maturity. Those with a higher level of hatred towards the rival have a lower level of moral maturity, Those with a higher level of respect towards the competitor also have a higher level of moral maturity. This research reveals that university students' levels of moral maturity, respect for opposing views in sports, and self-control vary according to demographic factors and it allows for more comprehensive studies to be conducted on these issues. Keywords: Moral maturity, sports ethics, fair play.