Abstract
The study aimed to identify factors predicting self-efficacy in a sample of 248 Italian handball referees. The main hypothesis was that perception of teamwork efficacy would be a significant predictor of self-efficacy in handball referees. Participants completed an online questionnaire including Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (α = 0.85), Self-Determination Scale (α = 0.78), and an adaptation for Referees of the Sport Commitment Model (α = 0.80). Two hierarchical regression analyses have identified: (1) Enjoyment (β = 0.226), Couple Efficacy (β = 0.233), and Personal Awareness (β = 0.243), as predictors of Self-Efficacy; (2) Span of Co-Refereeing (β = 0.253), Perceived Quality of the Relationship (β = 0.239), and Mutual Agreement (β = 0.274), as predictors of Couple Self-Efficacy. A further SEM analysis confirmed the fit of a structural model of Self-efficacy considering the reciprocal influence of Couple Efficacy, Enjoyment and Awareness (χ2: 5.67; RMSEA: 0.000; SRMR: 0.019). The study underlines the importance of teamwork (or co-refereeing) as it relates to enjoyment and awareness in officiating and how it enhances the psychological well-being of handball referees. Future studies should investigate the relationship between factors influencing perceived teamwork efficacy and officiating performance outcome.
Highlights
Referees and officials are a very important part of competitive sports because of their impact on players’ behaviors and game outcomes, and because they ensure that competitions are conducted safely according to specific rules (Philippe et al, 2009; Warner et al, 2013)
Referees belonging to the group with less experience (
The main findings of the current study confirmed the role of perceived of couple efficacy as a predictor for the perception of self-efficacy in handball referees
Summary
Referees and officials are a very important part of competitive sports because of their impact on players’ behaviors and game outcomes, and because they ensure that competitions are conducted safely according to specific rules (Philippe et al, 2009; Warner et al, 2013). Aside from the factors involved in their regular tasks, environmental and external circumstances, like spectator reactions and atmosphere of the game, can influence their performance and behavior. Psychological aspects such as self-confidence, concentration and emotional control play a determining role in referees’ behavior and decisions. Experienced referees declare that psychological skills influence up to 70% of their success (Weinberg and Richardson, 1990)
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