Supporting mental fitness in professional rugby league match officials

Abstract

Abuse of match officials in rugby league and other sports is common. Such abuse has a negative effect on match officials’ mental fitness, self-esteem and confidence and is one of the main reasons for them leaving, or wanting to leave, their sport. Mental health nurses working alongside match officials, for example teaching self-care skills and resilience to cope with negative experiences, is an innovative approach to improving mental fitness and preventing mental health problems among this group. This article discusses some of the issues faced by rugby league match officials. It also describes the findings of a small-scale evaluation that examined the effects of the role, specifically that of referee, on their mental health. The authors also consider the role of mental health nurses in supporting mental fitness in this group.