ScholarOne - “LET’S TAKE CARE OF THE FORGOTTEN ONES”: VALIDATION OF
GOALTENDERS’ ICE HOCKEY PERCEIVED COMPETENCE SCALE
Abstract
This report outlines the development and validation of a sport-specific
perceived competence scale tailored to ice hockey goaltenders. Drawing
on previous research highlighting the multidimensional nature of
perceived competence among athletes, our study aimed to conceptualize
and validate perceived competence within the unique context of ice
hockey goaltending. Following procedures from a previous extensive
validation study, the three-phase study involved elicitation,
development, and validation. In the first phase, expert coaches
identified competencies essential for goaltenders’ success, resulting in
a 17-item initial scale. Phase 2 demonstrated the scale’s temporal
stability, with all items exhibiting acceptable test-retest
coefficients. In the final validation phase, exploratory factor analysis
identified three dimensions: technical abilities, coachability, and
resilience. Rigorous factor analysis addressed problematic items,
producing a refined 14-item Goaltenders’ Ice Hockey Perceived Competence
Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model’s excellent fit,
supporting the three-factor structure. The dimensions included technical
abilities, coachability, and resilience, emphasizing the psychological
aspects’ crucial role in goaltender competence. The study contributes to
understanding perceived competence in a specialized sports context and
provides a reliable measurement tool for practitioners to monitor ice
hockey goaltenders’ development. Future research should explore the
cross-cultural and linguistic invariance of the scale among ice hockey
goalies. Overall, the Goaltenders’ Ice Hockey Perceived Competence Scale
offers a valuable instrument for assessing and enhancing athlete
development in the distinctive realm of ice hockey goaltending.