"The Relationship between Sports Satisfaction and Sources of Sport Self-confidence among Soccer Players in the West Bank”

Abstract This study aims to identify the level of Athlete satisfaction and sources of self-confidence; and their relationship for soccer players in the West Bank, in addition to identify differences in the levels of Athlete satisfaction and sources of self-confidence for soccer players in the West Bank according to the playing position, experience, the degree of the club and the education level variables. To achieve the objectives of the study, the study was conducted on a sample of (210) players from professional clubs from the first-and second-degree in soccer in the West Bank, which represents about of (20%) of the study population. The scale which was developed by Reimer & Chelladurai 1998, was used to measure athlete satisfaction. and Vealey et al 1998 scale was used to measure the sources of self-confidence: Means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, One Way ANOVA and Scheffe’ Post Hoc Test were used to answer the questions of the study. The study revealed th following results: - The level of athlete satisfaction among soccer players in the West Bank was average, with an average response of (4.76) degree. - The level of self-confidence sources for soccer players in the West Bank was high with an average response of (6.57) degree. - There’s a positive relationship between athlete satisfaction and sources of self-confidence where Pearson correlation coefficient reached (0.636). - There were no significant differences at (0.05) in the athlete satisfaction among soccer players in all domains and the total score according to the playing position variable. - There were significant differences at (0.05) in the athlete satisfaction among soccer players in the athlete satisfaction among soccer players according to the experience variable. The majority of these differences were infavor of the medium experience (6-10) years. - There were no significant differences at (0.05) in the level of athlete satisfaction among soccer players in the West Bank, according to the degree of the club and the education level variables. - There were significant differences at (0.05) in the level of sources of self-confidence among soccer players in the West Bank in, , according to the degree of the club and the education level variables. - There were significant differences at (0.05) in the sources of self-confidence among soccer players in the West Bank, according to the degree of the club variable. The majority of these differences were for the second degree clubs. Based on the findings of the study the researcher recommended the following recommendations: - The trainers need to pay attention to develop psychological, physical and skills aspect for players which would improve the performance level of the soccer players in the West Bank. This in term has a significant impact on reaching the highest levels in sport. - To pay attention of long-term and short-term psychological preparation for soccer players which has its importance in winning sport championships, especially when there’s a convergent in physical attributes, skills and tactics among teams. The psychological factor is a crucial one to the outcome of the matches. Key Words: Athlete Satisfaction, sources of self-confidence, soccer, West Bank.