Perception of Coach According to the Role of Starter or Substitute in the Final Stage of the Season

This paper examines the athletes’ perception of their coaches according to role starter or substitute in final phase season. The variables analyzed were: leadership style, perceived justice, competence, and support for basic psychological needs. A longitudinal study was developed, evaluating participants at two different stages: end season seven weeks before. total 112 football handball players participated this study, 78 completing questionnaire waves. sample comprised 51 starters (80.39% males) 27 substitutes (70.37% who evaluated coaches’ leadership, players’ interaction moment measurement (seven before vs. season) * group (starters substitutes) statistically significant authentic need competence. Post hoc analyses revealed a decline from coaches, competence only those position, with no change observed group. findings show that perceptions among starting deteriorates significantly season, while remain unaffected.