Competitive Leadership Styles in Professional Handball: Evidence from the Iraqi Premier League

Ghazwan Azeez Muhsin; Humam Ismael Husain; Hasan Zwed Khalaf

Ghazwan Azeez Muhsin
Humam Ismael Husain College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wasit University, Iraq 3Wasit Education Directorate, Iraq
Hasan Zwed Khalaf College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wasit University, Iraq 3Wasit Education Directorate, Iraq

Keywords: Leadership Style, Coaches, Sports Competition, Handball, Iraqi Premier League.

Abstract

Background. Leadership in competitive sport represents a multidimensional construct integrating tactical decision-making, emotional regulation, and communication precision. Despite growing international research on coaching leadership, empirical evidence from Middle Eastern professional handball remains limited

Objectives. This study aimed to identify competitive leadership styles adopted by coaches from the perspective of players in the Iraqi Handball Premier League (2022–2023 season).

Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The total population consisted of 229 players across 15 clubs, with 170 valid questionnaires analyzed. The Competitive Leadership Behavior Scale demonstrated acceptable reliability (α = 0.73).

Results. Results indicated variability in leadership dimensions (M = 1.001–3.982). Tactical adaptability and communication timing ranked highest, whereas behavioral stability under fluctuating match conditions ranked lowest.

Conclusions. The findings reveal a tactically robust yet psychologically developing leadership profile. The study contributes context-specific empirical evidence and highlights the need to integrate emotional intelligence training into professional coaching development programs.