Participant motives and behaviour in varied forms of Canadian ice hockey

This study examined the multiple roles of adult ice hockey in the Canadian context. More specifically, it investigated the importance attached to victory versus play elements, specific motives for playing, as well as Machiavellian behaviour during play in eight different forms of ice hockey. The sample consisted of 214 players in hockey forms ranging from the least structured and organised, such as "pick-up hockey", to that of the highly competitive inter-university variety. The Ideal-Type Play/Game Paradigm, proposed by Salter (1980), was used as a basis to investigate players' importance attached to victory versus play elements. To study specific motives for participation and Machiavellian behaviour across hockey forms, a Participation Questionnaire was developed by the investigator. Results indicate that, as the activity became more structured and organised: (1) the importance of victory as compared to play elements became more pronounced (F = 11.09, p $<$.001); (2) motives changed (F = 5.55, p $<$.05); and (3) Machiavellian tendencies increased (F = 50.71, p $<$.001). Results further indicate that, across hockey forms: (1) achievement/status (F = 22.68, p =.00) and skill development (F = 22.29, p =.00) motives increased in importance with structure and organisation for play; (2) excitement/challenge (F = 4.58, p =.00) and social affiliation (F = 3.85, p =.00) motives changed somewhat; and (3) fun (F = 2.38, p =.02), team affiliation (F = 3.25, p =.00) and energy release (F = 2.26, p =.03) motives were fairly common and important. It was also found that to improve fitness as a motive for participating was not a significant discriminator since it was felt to be important by players in all hockey forms. (Abstract shortened by UMI.