Elite Refereeing Performance:Developing a Modelfor Sport Science Support

To identify a framework for referee training and selection, based on the key areas of effective performance, we conducted content analyses on Rugby Football Union referee assessor reports, referee training materials, performance profi les from a group of English premier league referees, and a review of published research on sports offi ciating. The Cornerstones Performance Model of Refereeing emerged, overarched by the psychological characteristics of excellence (see McCaffrey & Orlick, 1989) and featuring four key areas: (a) knowledge and application of the law; (b) contextual judgment; (c) personality and management skills; and (d) fi tness, positioning, and mechanics. Focus group interviews confi rmed the usefulness of the model as an assessment and training tool, which the RFU now use to develop referees throughout England.