Factors influencing the development of elite-level sports officials in Australia: the AFL, ABA and FFA^*

* The AFL (Australian Football League) is the national organizing body for the premier Australian Rules football competition, the AFL. The game itself is, therefore, often called AFL rather than Australian Rules. The ABA (Australian Basketball Association) is the national organizing body for the men’s NBL (National Basketball League) and the women’s WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League). The FFA is the national organizing body for the premier men’s competition of Association football (often called football or soccer), the A-League and the women’s equivalent the W-League.

Abstract

Previous research into sports officiating at the elite level has primarily focused on factors that impact negatively on sports officials, including experiences of abuse, time pressures and fear of failure. However, factors that have positively influenced the development of elite officials have largely been neglected. This is problematic, as a better knowledge about how elite officials progress to top-tier competitions may improve officiating performance and role satisfaction. This study therefore, aims to identify factors that work positively for individuals who seek to reach elite levels of sport officiating. This is important because it can assist our understanding of how to create a positive environment for the development of young officials, thereby helping with role satisfaction, improved chances of retention and, where appropriate, pathways into career development at the elite level of sport. The context for this study is Australia, with a focus on national competitions in basketball, football (soccer) and Australian Rules football as representative samples for referees and umpires.

Notes

* The AFL (Australian Football League) is the national organizing body for the premier Australian Rules football competition, the AFL. The game itself is, therefore, often called AFL rather than Australian Rules. The ABA (Australian Basketball Association) is the national organizing body for the men’s NBL (National Basketball League) and the women’s WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League). The FFA is the national organizing body for the premier men’s competition of Association football (often called football or soccer), the A-League and the women’s equivalent the W-League.