Abstract

In the literature on the psychology of sport, research on the referee is scarcely represented. This article is reporting a study with respect to task-attitude and -execution of the Dutch field hockey referee; both referees and players on all levels of nationally organized competition were involved (n=523). A cluster analysis of Likert-type questionnaire items yielded a description of two aspects: the degree to which the referee could be influenced and the influence of the referee. Individual cluster-scores were used as dependent variables in analyses of variance. Referees and players were found to score significantly different on both the mentioned aspects, this being mediated by both sex and the level of competition. Further, self-evaluation by the referee (by means of a semantic differential) and the field-position of the player were factors in the analysis. Game-situations were analyzed which were considered conflict-inducing and/or difficult to judge by both referees and players. The results were discussed in terms of actions with the aim in mind to alleviate the task of the referee, such as changing the rules of the game, conflict management, and specific physical and psychological preparation to the match. Verf.-Referat