J Behav Educ (2006) 15:81–92 DOI 10.1007/s10864-006-9012-z ORIGINAL PAPER Effects of a Dependent Group-Oriented Contingency on Middle School Physical Education Students’ Fair Play Behaviors Carla Vidoni · Phillip Ward Published online: 1 July 2006 C  Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006 Abstract This study investigated the effects of a dependent group-oriented contingency on the supportive and non-supportive fair play behaviors of 6th grade students engaged in volleyball games as part of their physical education instruction. Six students, one male and one female per class, from three classes, identified as demonstrating low incidences of supportive behaviors during volleyball games, were participants in this study. A multiple baseline across classes design was used to examine the data. During baseline few incidences of non-supportive behaviors occurred among all six students. However, the participants seldom displayed supportive behaviors during games (i.e., encouraged each other). Following the introduction of the dependent group contingency, supportive behaviors for all participants increased. Follow-up data, collected in an alternative setting, indicated variable maintenance. The results are discussed in the context of group contingencies and social behaviors in sports. Keywords Fair play . Group contingency . Social skills . Physical education . Supportive behaviors Socially competent children and youth use a variety of strategies to initiate and maintain social interactions, deal with disagreements, and manage conflict (Sheridan, 1995; Walker & Holmes, 1987). In contrast, socially incompetent children engage in behaviors that can lead them to become increasingly withdrawn and in some instances aggressive (Coie, 1990). In sport contexts, socially competent players support each other’s performance, show respect to opposing teams and officials, accept losses without complaint, and assume victory without gloating. Socially incompetent players engage in derogatory statements directed toward themselves and others, criticize and tease other players, and argue with officials. Formalized sports often have specific rules for such inappropriate social conduct on the sporting field. C. Vidoni · P. Ward The Ohio State University C. Vidoni () School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science, Ball State University, HP 223M, Muncie, IN 47306-0270 e-mail: cvidoni@bsu.edu Springer