ABSTRACT
In spite of extensive research into aggression in sporting contexts knowledge is still lacking in this area. In particular this is the case with soccer, where the phenomenon of aggression occurs in various forms and at different levels of competition. The lack of a theoretical frame of reference has resulted in a variety of definitions of the concept of aggression and multitude of methodological approaches. In previous research differing views on the origins and the amplifying circumstances of aggressive behaviour have been well documented (Dennert et al., 1976: Gabler, 1976: Pilz and Trebels, 1976). Theories based on instinctual and ethological concepts or social-learning at first glance seem incompatible, although the viewpoint of integrative learning (based on socialization and hereditary dispositions) may possibly supply a powerful explanatory model. Such a model must be based on a clear definition of the concept of aggression.
