Abstract
Competition is integral to sport and it occurs frequently in various contexts. For example, it takes place during the pursuit of pleasure (e.g., recreational sport) or in the pursuit of excellence (e.g., elite athletics) (Chelladurai, 2012). In the latter context, competition occurs between teams (i.e., inter-team) but also within teams (i.e., intra-team). Harenberg et al. (2010, 2013) reported that competition for playing time (i.e., positional competition) is a central process in intra-team competition and defined it as teammates vying for the same limited playing time with the coach’s awareness. The objective of this research was to gain an understanding of positional competition in an elite sport context. To this end, current literature along with data from two pilot studies was used.
This work resulted in a preliminary model which includes the (a) inputs, (b) processes, and (c) outcomes of positional competition. Inputs that impact the nature of the processes include: the characteristics of the individual athlete (e.g., ability, competitiveness) and the team (e.g., norms), along with coaching decisions (e.g., performance roles). The processes include information (e.g., self-awareness) and developmental (e.g., perceived progression, effort) aspects. The processes result in individual (e.g., performance, status) and team outcomes (e.g., collective performance, cohesion).
The proposed model adds to our current understanding of the competition between teammates of elite sport teams and the circumstances by which it might result in positive, rather than negative outcomes (i.e., cohesion, group and individual performance). Implications for the practitioner and researcher will be discussed.
