STUDY OF THE APPLICATIONS OF PUNISHMENT AS AN EDUCATIONAL METHOD

Introduction: Intense training activity and competing in contests are the basic blocks that build the competitor's character. We should always use some elements of systemic and targeted educational work in order to give the process a more comprehensive and active shape during all stages of sports training. Punishment is one of the most controversial methods, especially concerning its application in the process of educational training and contest participation. Methodology: The aim of this study was to survey students' attitude towards punishment as an educational method applied by their coaches in cases of systematic violations of discipline and norms. We used the inquiry method and conducted an alternative analysis of the data. Students of both sexes at "Coaches" Faculty at the National Sports Academy of Bulgaria were Subjects of the study. Results: We found that punishments are commonly applied in many sports. In our opinion, the misuse of this method could lead athletes to a psychic block. Discussion: Using punishment as an educational method affects positively athletes' behavior and motivation. As a result the performance could be improved both during training and during competition. Conclusions: A successful coach should be a master at combining systematically different complex educational methods. Adopting such an approach is the most important determinant of the rate of progress of the training process.