Abstract

Sport plays a vital role in promoting discipline, unity, and community development. It engages young people, reduces crime, and fosters positive values. However, the growing incidence of deviant behaviour within sports organizations poses a serious threat to these benefits. This study investigates the types of deviant behaviour commonly found in contemporary sports organizations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It further examines the impact of such behaviour on the performance of these organizations and their contribution to community development. Findings reveal that misconduct such as doping, bribery, and corruption—negatively affects the integrity and effectiveness of sports institutions. It also undermines public trust, discourages youth participation, and weakens the role of sport in fostering social progress. It was concluded that these behaviours harm the image of sports, reduce trust, and stop sports from helping the community grow. It was recommended among others that sport organizations should enforce strict rules against deviant behaviours