The motivation of high school students towards in-school sports competitions: The case of Ardahan

This master's thesis aims to examine, from a multidimensional perspective, the motivation levels of high school students in Ardahan province toward participating in school-organized sports competitions. The study was designed in accordance with a quantitative research model, and data were collected through a structured scale administered to 214 students. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 statistical software. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the Self-Determination Theory, and motivation was analyzed under two main categories intrinsic and extrinsic motivation along with subdimensions including identified regulation, integrated regulation, external regulation, and amotivation.The results revealed that students generally exhibit above-average motivation levels toward school sports competitions. The highest average score was found in the introjected regulation subdimension, followed by intrinsic motivation and identified regulation. In terms of gender, male students had significantly higher motivation scores compared to female students (p<0.05). While other demographic variables showed no significant effects, the frequency of regular sports participation emerged as a key predictor. Students who engaged in daily physical activity had higher levels of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and lower levels of amotivation. Regression analysis indicated that regular participation in sports explained 72% of the variance in overall motivation. The findings emphasize that school-based sports activities contribute not only to physical development but also to psychosocial well-being, self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and social connectedness. In this context, the study recommends the development of student-centered and inclusive school policies to enhance motivation and promote active participation in school sports.