Abstract
Racial bias in sport is a prevalent research topic. Much of the previous research regarding bias among referees in sport focused on sports such as baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Professional American football is unique because race is more clearly defined when compared to these other sports. Additionally, by examining holding penalties, which are known to be more subjective and called predominately by a single official on the field (i.e., the umpire), racial bias in officiating can be more efficiently analyzed in professional American football. The purpose of this study is to examine potential racial bias regarding holding penalties in the National Football League (NFL). Three years of data from the 2013 to 2014 through 2015 to 2016 NFL seasons were used, including the races of officials and players involved in holding penalties. Results showed no evidence of racial bias in the calling of holding penalties by White officials. However, Black umpires were found to call more holding penalties when led by a White referee. Additionally, Black players were more likely to have holding penalties called on them earlier in the game by all officials.
Highlights
This study found no evidence of racial bias in the direct calling of holding penalties by White officials
Results of this study indicate that Black players are more likely to get penalty calls earlier in the game than later in the game, regardless of the race of the officials
Black umpires are more likely to call penalties when led by a White referee, even though they call fewer penalties, in general, than White umpires
Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine potential racial bias regarding holding penalties in the National Football League (NFL). The purpose of this study is to determine if racial bias is present in penalty calls made by referees in the National Football League (NFL). The purpose of this study was to examine whether racial bias exists in the calling of NFL offensive holding penalties
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