Sports match official research: an evolving narrative, positioning future research

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to foster debate and discussion around the developing sport match official research area. To that end the literature in this field is examined and discussed with gaps in the research identified and explored. Areas of future research are suggested as pertinent areas for scholars to focus upon, with mental health, online abuse, gender studies and investigations into the treatment and support for young people who officiate particularly important. It is the intention of this commentary to encourage academics from sport research fields that have not traditionally considered match officials as an area of interest, and to motivate those from disciplines outside sport related enquiry to consider adapting and applying methods to this unique population, in order to continue the development of scholarly activity and collaboration in this rapidly evolving subject area.

KEYWORDS:

• Match officials
• referees
• mental health
• abuse
• online abuse
• workplace incivility

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).