Based on a structural approach and semi-directive interviews, this study analyzes athletic rules and legal consciousness of adolescents in relation to their contexts of athletic practice (institutionalized versus self-organized context). The lexical analysis (with alceste software) demonstrates that the institutionalized context leads mainly to a civilized consciousness where legal norms transcend individuals; on the other hand, the self-regulated context is the basis for a responsible and moral consciousness. These results contradict common beliefs associated with these two sport practices.