Examining Social and Moral Character in Collegiate Athletes

This study investigated athletes’ social (self-sacrifice, teamwork, perseverance, work ethic, mental toughness, loyalty) and moral (fairness, honesty, respect, compassion, responsibility, justice) character. The Rudd–Stoll–Beller–Hahm Value-judgment Inventory (RSBH) was administered to college athletes at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II university, determining relationships between the social and moral scores and comparing male and female collegiate athletes who played different sports. The athletes exhibited higher social than moral character. Athletes in different sports showed a statistically significant difference in moral but not social character. Sports teams’ character education should target moral and social behavior both outside and inside the sport venue.