The relationship between tennis coaches' levels of professional competency and ethical values

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nexus between the professional expertise of tennis coaches in Turkey and their inclination towards ethical values. This research employed a correlational survey approach, a methodology within the quantitative research paradigm. The study of population comprised actively working Federation-licensed tennis coaches across Turkey, while the sample included 318 Federation-approved volunteer tennis coaches, selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was facilitated using an online survey administered via the Google Forms platform. The survey instruments included a Personal Information Form, the Coach Competency Scale – II, and the Professional Ethical Behavior of Coaches Scale. The collected data were processed and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software package. Methodologically, the study employed Independent Sample T-tests and One-way ANOVA for hypothesis testing, in addition to normality and descriptive analyses. Pearson Correlation Analysis was utilized to ascertain the levels of correlation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The findings of the study are multifaceted. Firstly, no statistically significant correlation was found between the professional qualifications of tennis coaches and variables such as age and gender (p<0.05) However, significant differences were observed in the sub-dimensions of Professionalism, Respect, and Tolerance in relation to gender (p<0.05.). Furthermore, notable variations were identified between sub-dimensions of professional competence (Motivation, Character Formation, Technical Education, and Physical Condition) and the level of certification (p<0.05.). Similarly, the study revealed significant differences in the Professionalism sub-dimension of ethical predisposition in relation to the level certificate variable (p<0.05 )In examining the impact of professional experience, significant differences were detected in the Motivation, Game Strategies, Character Formation, and Physical Condition sub-dimensions of professional competence, as well as in the Professionalism and Tolerance sub-dimensions of ethical predisposition (p<0.05). The study also highlighted a noteworthy contrast in coaching motivations between younger and more experienced coaches; younger coaches were primarily motivated by financial gain, whereas veterans focused on service and passion for the sport. Lastly, significant disparities were identified in the Motivation, Game Strategies, Character Formation, and Technical Education sub-dimensions of professional competence, as well as in the Responsibility and Tolerance sub-dimensions of ethical predisposition, in relation to the duration of education and educational level of the coaches (p<0.05.). These findings underscore the complex interplay between professional competence, ethical predisposition, and various demographic factors within the context of tennis coaching in Turkey