| The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the dimensions of leader behavior and player satisfaction among male and female soccer players competing at the U-15 through U-18 age level who were registered in the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) region of the USYSA.;The participation rates and characterization of youth soccer in the US has demonstrated that the youth soccer phenomenon has become an increasingly present demographic in the American culture. Thus the proper development of youth soccer players may in turn have a profound impact on the growth of the sport. Research has shown that leader behaviors may play a distinct role in athlete satisfaction at the collegiate level. Therefore, the dynamic between leader behavior and athlete satisfaction may also play a role in the overall performance, development, and potential attrition rates within the youth soccer phenomenon.;While the identification of athlete preferences of leader behavior may indeed be a necessity from the youth soccer player's perspective; the scope of the present research study, was to identify the perceived leader behavior with respect to athlete satisfaction in its present state within the youth soccer phenomenon. This rationale was consistent with research findings that were presented in the review of literature.;Overall descriptive results showed that the leader behaviors of Training & Instruction, followed by Positive Feedback, and Situation Consideration were the three most frequently perceived behaviors of the six dimensions of leader behavior within the Multi-Dimensional Model of Leadership. Democratic and Autocratic Behaviors were the two least frequently observed behaviors respectively.;Consequently, of the eleven subscales from the ASQ, the participants were most satisfied with Personal Dedication, Team Social Contribution, Personal Treatment, and Ability Utilization respectively.;The regression models for the ASQ satisfaction subscales of Strategy, Personal Treatment, and Training & Instruction explained 56%, 55%, and 51% of the variance respectively. Furthermore, within the eleven regression models, the coaching behaviors of Situation Consideration and Training & Instruction were the most frequently significant predictors of the varying subscales of satisfaction followed by the leader behavior dimension of Social Support. |
