Factors Underpinning Football Officiating Excellence: Perceptions of English Premier League Referees

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify factors perceived to underpin football officiating excellence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 15 English Premier League referees. Through inductive content analysis, emerging themes were identified and comprised a variety of physical, environmental, and psychological factors: (a) mental toughness attributes, (b) support networks and services, (c) effective game management qualities, (d) multifaceted pre-match preparation, (e) performance-level enhancement, (f) opportunities to thrive, (g) personal characteristics, and (h) superior physical components. Findings acknowledge theoretical and applied implications for sport psychology professionals operating in elite football officiating.

Acknowledgments

The research team sincerely thank Mike Riley (Professional Game Match Officials Limited General Manager) for his assistance and support in the research project. The first author would like to acknowledge that the cooperation of the Select Group referees was of invaluable importance.

Notes

1. A copy of the interview guide is available from the first author.