Managing and Developing Sports Officials

This book offers an evidence-based guide to the development, management, and retention of sports officials. Drawing on research at all levels of sport, from grassroots to professional, this book focuses on best practices for sports officials and for anybody involved in the management or training of sports officials.

This book is divided into three parts. The first takes a close look at who sports officials are, their motivations, and the formal and informal organizational relationships that define an official’s position in sport. The second examines the factors that can keep an official engaged in their sport, from building healthy cultures and good physical preparation to mentoring and mental health. The final part looks at the development of officials to elite level, including effective communication, improving decision-making, interpreting rules and laws, and career pathways. With case studies, real-life examples, and the voices of practicing officials included throughout this book, it introduces core concepts and best practices applicable across sports and different national and international contexts.

This is an essential reference for all sports officials and for practitioners and policymakers working in sports organizations at all levels.

Tom Webb is Associate Professor in the Centre for Business in Society at Coventry University, UK. His research focuses on abuse, aggression, and maltreatment of sports officials, the mental health and well-being of sports officials, and the governance and careers of officials. He is also the founder of the Referee and Match Official Research Network.

David J. Hancock is Associate Professor in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. His primary research interest is centered on understanding the psychology of sport officiating, including group dynamics, mental health, and decision-making.

Pamm Phillips is Professor at the Deakin Business School in the Faculty of Business and Law at Deakin University, Australia. She is a member of the Centre for Sport Research and the Women in Sport and Exercise group. Prof. Phillip’s research is focused on volunteers (including referees) and sport development.

Jacob K. Tingle is Associate Professor in the Michael Neidorff School of Business at Trinity University, USA. His research explores organizational systems and structures that enhance or detract from the experiences of sport volunteers and contract staff. Sports officials (referees and umpires) are a population of significant interest.