Motivators, Constraints and Benefits of Participation in Sport As Perceived by the Students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different motivators, constraints and general benefits of involvement in sports as perceived by the students. For this purpose, in addition to examining the existing literature for determining the principal motivators and constraints reported by the sport persons, viewpoint of the players was obtained and analyzed. Data from male and female student (N=370), 215 male and 155 female were obtained through a properly developed Likert type scale. The scale, offering 10 possible motivators, 10 possible constraints and 10 benefits associated with participation in sport, was administered to the respondents. Data from the respondents were collected during Gomal university Inter-colleges Sport competition 2014-2015. The data have revealed that to have fun, to be physically fit, to stay in shape, to be with friends, to do something I am good at and popularity were the main motivators for participation in sport and similarly, the main five constraints in the way of participation reported by the respondents include a) financial problem, b) socio-cultural restrictions, c) access to the facilities, d) parental barriers, and e) physiological problems. Promotion of health, fun and entertainment, relieving tension, sociability and wellbeing were reported as the main benefits of participation.