Cross-Cultural Differences in Fair Play Attitudes Among University Students in Hungary and Kenya Using the EAF Scale

The aim of the present study was to explore differences in fair play attitudes among university students in Hungary and Kenya using the Fair Play Attitude Scale (EAF). The questionnaire was culturally adapted for the Kenyan context and administered in both countries. A total of 2090 university students participated in the survey (1278 from Kenya and 812 from Hungary). The scale measures three dimensions of fair play attitudes: gamesmanship and the importance of winning, acceptance of rough play and cheating, and fair play and enjoyment of the game. Principal component analysis confirmed the three-factor structure of the instrument, and reliability indices indicated satisfactory internal consistency in both samples. Due to the non-normal distribution of the variables, non-parametric statistical procedures were applied to examine differences between groups. The results revealed significant cross-cultural differences in fair play attitudes. Kenyan students, particularly men, showed higher acceptance of competition-oriented behaviour and gamesmanship, whereas Hungarian students placed greater emphasis on enjoyment and adherence to fair play principles. The findings highlight the role of cultural and social contexts in shaping ethical attitudes in sport and underline the importance of fair play education in sport pedagogy and educational practice.