Determinants of Trust in the Coach–Athlete Relationship: Evidence from Elite Judo: Determinants of Trust in the Coach–Athlete Relationship

Abstract

The quality of the coach–athlete relationship is widely recognized as a determinant of motivation, performance, and long-term career development in sport. However, empirical evidence on predictors of trust in elite combat sports remains scarce. This study investigated the mechanisms that underpin athletes’ trust in their coaches, with a particular focus on judo. Quantitative survey data were collected from 55 judokas, and analyzed using correlations and multiple regression. The results demonstrated that psychological support was the strongest and statistically significant predictor of trust, while balanced leadership style also contributed positively. Career-related planning during and after sport was positively associated with trust but did not reach statistical significance. To contextualize these findings, a qualitative case study of the long-term partnership between elite judoka Piotr Kuczera and his coach Artur Kejza was conducted. The case highlighted how process-oriented coaching, emotional reassurance, and interpersonal accessibility sustained trust over time and compensated for broader systemic uncertainties. Together, these findings suggest that trust in the coach–athlete dyad is primarily rooted in relational and psychological dimensions, rather than strategic career planning. The study contributes to sport psychology and coaching research by integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence, underscoring the practical importance of psychological support and balanced leadership in fostering durable trust in elite sport.