Differentiation of Perceptual Processes in Elite and Assistant Soccer Referees

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to compare the perceptual abilities of top soccer referees and assistant referees at different levels of professional attainment. The sample consisted of FIFA and national level referees as well as assistant referees. Their perceptual abilities were assessed with a classical tool applied to measure psychomotor abilities in humans – the Toulouse- Pieron test. The results indicated that: perceptual abilities of assistant referees were definitely better than those of the referees (p<0.01). Top level referees demonstrated better perceptual abilities than first-league referees (p<0.01). The research results have proved that referees’ perceptual abilities differ depending on their function and professional level, while also indicating that the level of abilities may influence the number and correctness of decisions made during a game. It has been demonstrated that this elementary cognitive process may be strongly shaped by individual experience and age. This finding may be instrumental in screening referees and developing criteria for recruiting future referees.