Sources of stress among baseball and softball umpires

Abstract

This study examined sources of stress among baseball and softball umpires. A revised sources of stress scale from the Ontario Soccer Officials Survey (OSOS) was completed by 782 certified umpires from randomly chosen umpire associations in one state. Principal components factor analysis of responses by half the subjects, with oblimin rotation, revealed four correlated factors (Fear of Failure, Fear of Physical Harm, Time Pressure, and Interpersonal Conflict). These factors accounted for 44.4% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis of responses by the remaining subjects with LISREL7 supported the reliability of the exploratory analysis, with an Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index of .90. Accumulating research suggests there are common, though not very potent, sources of stress among sport officials, but future research should examine sources of stress in officials of other sports. Stress management and situational interventions could benefit the minority of officials who perceive these sources of stress as significant.