Investigation of the effect of distancing from morality in sports on sportsmanship behaviors in individuals participating in karate sports

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of moral disengagement levels on sportsmanship behaviors in individuals practicing karate and to determine whether these variables differ according to gender and branch (kata/kumite). This study was conducted using a relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of a total of 270 active kata and kumite athletes (125 females and 145 males) competing in the Cadet, Uniform, U21, Senior, and Veteran categories and affiliated with the Turkish Karate Federation. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Moral Disengagement in Sport Scale, and the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS 27 statistical software package. The normality of the data was tested using the One-Sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, along with skewness and kurtosis values. Based on the assumption of normal distribution, linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of total moral disengagement scores on the sub-dimensions of sportsmanship. In addition, independent samples t-tests were used to compare variables according to karate discipline and gender. According to the research findings, it was determined that moral disengagement in sport negatively and significantly predicted sportsmanship orientation by 14.8% (R²=.148, p<.001). According to the gender variable, it was determined that female athletes' scores in respect for rules, respect for opponents, and total sportsmanship were significantly higher than male athletes (p<.05). In terms of the branch variable, it was found that kumite athletes' scores in compliance with social norms, respect for rules, and respect for opponents were higher than kata athletes (p<.05). As a result, it was observed that as moral disengagement increases in karate, sportsmanship behaviors decrease; however, the nature of the branch and gender roles are decisive on the perception of sportsmanship.