Emotional experiences of referees: is it important to analyse intensity and direction?

Abstract

This study analysed the intensity and direction of referee’s emotions 24 to 48 hours before a game, looking into the relation between stress, cognitive appraisal, and performance perception. Participants were 708 football referees, 91.2% male and 8.8% female. The results indicate a higher prevalence of positive rather than negative emotions before the game, showing that, when emotions were perceived as facilitating the referees’ sports performance, they were more likely to better adapt to the game. Additionally, emotions intensity played an important role in the way referees feel before a game. In sum, the data revealed the importance of considering the intensity and direction of the emotions felt by referees, as well as the importance of training strategies to regulate the intensity of emotions and strategies that help referees interpret the effects of their emotions.