This study explored (a)whether the discrepancy score might explain as much variance of criterion variable (coach-athlete relationship satisfaction) as one of the two components used to derive that score, especially when those components were provided by a single subject as in the present case, and (b)the relationships between coach’s leadership behaviors and coach-athlete relationship satisfaction in high school handball athletes. Subjects, 162 handball players (ma1e=96; female=66) from 13 high school teams, were requested to complete the four instruments. The mean age of high school handball athletes was 16.80 years (SD=0.73). Results of multiple regression analyses showed that perceived leadership was the stronger determinant of coach-athlete relationship satisfaction as well as satisfaction with leadership competence than either the preferred leadership or discrepancy score of preferred and perceived leadership in these dimensions. Perceived leadership behaviors, social support, autocratic behavior, as well as democratic behavior, were associated with coach-athlete relationship satisfaction in high school male athletes. The perceived leadership behaviors, social support, autocratic behavior, as well as training and instruction, were related to satisfaction with leadership competence in high school male athletes. The perceived leadership style, only social support, was related to coach-athlete relationship satisfaction in high school female athletes. The perceived leadership style, only training and instruction, was associated with satisfaction with leadership competence in high school female athletes.