Coping with external stressors in handball and football elite refereeing: The relationship with referee efficacy

This study investigated the association between referee efficacy and self-reported coping with external stressors among elite handball football referees. The participants were 224 Norwegian referees of (n = 111, m age 35.3 years, 13.5% females) (113, 30.8 8% who had been for an average 14.4 years (sd 7.77 years; min: 4, max: 37) a at present level 6.8 6.20 1, 32). Referee self-efficacy was measured using version Self-Efficacy Scale. Self-reported responses to statements related referee’s self-perceived decision-making process in presence several sources stressors. positively associated (b .24 (se .11), p .021). Football reported higher levels .28 .08), .001) than referees, number refereeing findings provide evidence positive relationship when making decisions.
 
 Keywords: Scale, decision-making, social pressure, team sport