E-ISSN:2319-3050

Research Article

Sports Science

International Journal of Research Pedagogy and Technology in Education and Movement Sciences

2018 Volume 07 Number 02 APR-JUN
Publisherwww.theuniversityacademics.com

Stress Sources in Hockey Umpires: A Comparative Study of National and International Officials

Chakravarty R1*†
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55968/ijems.v7i02.465

1*† Ranjan Chakravarty, Asst Professor, Dept of Physical Education, University College of Medical Sciences University of Delhi, Dehli, Dehli, India.

Maintaining fair play and order on the field depends critically on umpires in the hectic environment of hockey. Still, the demands they experience can be extreme, compromising their well-being as much as their effectiveness. This study explores the several sources of stress that male hockey umpires at national and international levels go through, therefore illuminating the particular difficulties each group faces. We polled 140 umpires applying a modified form of the "Ontario Soccer Officials Survey" specifically for hockey (Rainey, 1995). Our results expose interesting variations between national and international umpires that have consequences for focused stress management techniques

Keywords: Stress sources, hockey umpires, officiating, fitness concerns, fear of failure

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ranjan Chakravarty, Asst Professor, Dept of Physical Education, University College of Medical Sciences University of Delhi, Dehli, Dehli, India.
Email: 		Chakravarty R. Stress Sources in Hockey Umpires: A Comparative Study of National and International Officials. IJEMS. 2018;07(02):12-18.
Available From
https://ijems.net/index.php/ijem/article/view/465
Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2018-01-04 2018-01-10 2024-02-08 2018-03-01 2018-03-31
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 16 Nil

© 2018by Chakravarty Rand Published by The University Academics. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Hockey referees are often seen as the heroes of the game. Known as the " team." They play a role, in ensuring play and proper conduct during matches but their importance is sometimes overlooked by many fans and players alike. These officials face challenges that can be quite stressful. May impact their overall well-being and performance on the field. Although there has been research conducted on stress levels among athletes in sports disciplines (referencing Burke et al., 2000) there remains a lack of comprehensive studies focusing specifically on the pressures experienced by hockey umpires. It's evident that understanding and addressing these pressures is essential, to supporting their health and enhancing their ability to officiate games effectively. Despite playing a role, in upholding the principles of fairness and honesty in the game.

Sports referees are required to have a range of skills; they need eyesight and quick decision making abilities while also managing conflicts calmly, under scrutiny from all angles. The game of hockey intensifies these demands with its pace and intricate rules that require interpretation (referencing Hancock et al., 2015). Umpires in hockey face pressures compared to officials, in sports which warrant specific research endeavors.

Research, in the past has indicated that officiating in sports can lead to a range of stress related issues such as headaches and elevated blood pressure (Anshel & Weinberg 1996). The physical manifestations of stress highlight the health risks associated with being a referee. Emphasize the need for targeted care and support systems, in this profession.

Moreover, the pressure that umpires endure may have impacts that extend beyond their welfare alone. In fact it has been discovered that stress, among officials can impact the accuracy of their decisions which in turn compromises the fairness and credibility of the sport (Nevill et al., 2002; Johansen & Haugen 2013). This connection, between performance and stress highlights the importance of understanding. Alleviating the pressures faced by hockey umpires.

Our research aims to fill the knowledge gap by comparing the factors causing stress, among hockey umpires at international levels. We seek to gain an understanding of how stress levels and

types may vary as umpires progress in their careers by examining the pressures present at these two officiating tiers. This comparative approach could shed light on whether certain stressors are common, across all levels of officiating or if distinct challenges emerge in settings.

The insights gained from this research could prove valuable, in tailoring interventions to support these athletes. Sports organizations and coaching staff can design stress management Tactics and training regimens based on an understanding of the stressors faced by hockey umpires across different levels of officiating (Mellick et al., 2005; Slack et al., 2013).

Additionally, the exploration of job-related stress, in environments contributes to the broader field of sports psychology. The findings may have implications not, for officiating in sports but also for hockey specifically which could inform the development of policies across different sports to support the wellbeing and retention of officials (Warner et al., 2013).

This research aims to enhance the support provided to these individuals, in the sport by focusing on the overlooked issue of stress among hockey referees. This initiative could bring benefits not to the referees themselves but to the wider hockey community, at large supportive of elevating the overall sustainability and standard of the game at both domestic and global levels.

Strategies

Participants

There were sixty umpires, at the level and eighty umpires, at the level. Each individual had taken part in competitions. Registered with their own country’s hockey organizations. In each group of 50 people we received a total of 100 responses resulting in a response rate of 71%.

Musical tools

We adapted Raineys (1995) s "Ontario Soccer Officials Survey," tweaking it for hockey purposes with a total of thirty items divided into three sections.

Step by step instructions and researcher details

12 articles discussing obstacles

Eighteen items focusing on achievements, in games


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along, with gameplay elements and time limits are associated with health concerns and demographic information.

Participants rated their experiences on a scale from 1, to 4.

Levels of experience are categorized as follows; 1. No experience. 2. Some experience. 3. Experience. 4. Level of experience

Methodism has been a denomination, in the realm of Christianity.

The survey was circulated with the assistance of Hockey India and the International Hockey Federation (FIHF). Respondents completed the questionnaire online with confidentiality, throughout the process. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS with stress levels, among international umpires compared using t tests.

Findings

National umpires

Fitness issues dominated stress for national-level umpires (M = 8.92, SD = 2.934). "Maintaining required physical fitness level" (M = 2.46, SD = 1.014) scored highest among all the stressors.

Table 1: Stress Subscales for National Male Hockey Umpires

Source of StressMean (M)Standard Deviation (SD)

Role Culture Conflict

7.10

2.922

Fear of Failure

7.90

3.430

Interpersonal Conflict

5.06

3.139

Time Pressures

5.10

3.059

Fitness Concerns

8.92

2.934

Peer Conflicts

5.00

3.162

Fear of Physical Harm

3.34

3.662

Table 2: Top 5 Stress Items for National Umpires

ItemRankMean (M)Standard Deviation (SD)
Maintaining required physical fitness level12.461.014
Keeping up with play (advantages)22.321.019
Maintaining concentration during strenuous game32.281.107
Little recognition for officials in hockey42.121.062
Critical decisions during a game52.000.948

International Umpires

International umpires reported fear of failure as their primary stressor (M = 5.58, SD = 2.949). The top-ranked item was "Having a bad game" (M = 1.68, SD = 0.978).

Table 3: Stress Subscales for International Male Hockey Umpires

Source of StressMean (M)Standard Deviation (SD)
Role Culture Conflict2.522.443
Fear of Failure5.582.949
Interpersonal Conflict
4.222.131
Time Pressures5.242.471
Fitness Concerns
4.742.354
Peer Conflicts
5.242.568
Fear of Physical Harm
3.602.441

Table 4: Top 5 Stress Items for International Umpires

ItemRankMean (M)Standard Deviation (SD)
Having a “bad” game11.680.978
Critical decisions during a game21.620.967
Aggressive game31.560.760
Critical games to one or both teams41.520.974
Players or coaches protesting decisions51.480.931

Group Comparison

An independent samples t-test revealed a significant difference in overall stress levels between national and international umpires (p = 0.001). National umpires reported higher overall stress (M = 42.42, SD = 17.955) compared to their international counterparts (M = 31.14, SD = 13.741).

Table 5: Group Statistics for National and International Umpires

GroupNMean (M)Standard Deviation (SD)Standard Error Mean

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National Male Hockey Umpires5042.4217.9552.539
International Male Hockey Umpires5031.1413.7411.943
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Table 6: Independent Samples Test for Equality of Means

Levene's Test for Equality of Variancest-test for Equality of MeansSig. (2-tailed)Mean DifferenceStandard Error Difference95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
F = 4.200, Sig. = .043t = 3.528, df = 980.00111.2803.197Lower = 4.935, Upper = 17.625

Discussion

Our study indicates that referees, in international hockey encounter forms of pressure providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they confront at various tiers of competition. This range of stressors highlights the significance of tailored support systems to ensure the being and optimal performance of officials, across all levels of play.

Based on our research findings indicate that judges, at the level often face health issues as a challenge in their profession This stress likely stems from the fast-paced nature of officiating numerous games in quick succession, at national tournaments and leagues Our results align closely with the observations made by Dorsch and Paskevich (2007) highlighting the physical strain associated with lower tier judging duties. The demanding physical tasks that these referees have to perform under circumstances, with breaks, between matches can lead to fatigue. This fatigue may impair their decision-making abilities. Increase the likelihood of injuries (Castagna et al. 2007; Mallo et al., 2012).

The increased emphasis placed on the stress related to fitness, within judges could indicate an issue regarding the allocation and accessibility of resources and support at this level of involvement in sports officiating (Reade et al., 2009). Concerns may escalate further if individuals are unable to access fitness facilities or professional trainers along with health monitoring systems available to them in their jurisdictions hockey organizations need

to reassess their approach, to assisting referees in light of these circumstances. They may consider incorporating elements of training programs designed for athletes to elevate the quality of officiating and enhance the longevity of referees, in the sports industry.

Judges, from around the world tend to feel the pressure when it comes to the fear of making mistakes during competitions.

They face scrutiny and expectations due to the consequences involved and the intense focus from athletes, coaches, the public and global observers alike. This mirrors findings in studies involving sports referees who also experience stress primarily from having to make decisions, in high pressure situations. Johansen and Haugen (2013) for instance conducted research, on soccer referees. Arrived at similar conclusions.

Moreover the fear of underperforming on the stage could be exacerbated by the impact it might have on one’s career prospects. While local referees may find it simpler to secure assignments foreign referees may struggle to land gigs. A single misstep deemed unacceptable could significantly impede job prospects and professional growth (Samuel et al., 2017).

Given the contrasts, in these outcomes suggests the necessity for tailored interventions that address the challenges encountered by authorities at various tiers of responsibility. Instituting and implementing exercise regimens and workout sessions could prove beneficial for referees overseeing national matches. The primary objectives of these initiatives should encompass enhancements in conditioning and swiftness alongside devising strategies to prevent injuries, among hockey officials and facilitate their recuperation (Krustrup & Bangsbo 2001).

By collaborating with sports science departments and expert fitness trainers in the field of hockey training programs can be developed specifically tailored to the sports requirements and demands, for conditioning (Weston et al., 2012). These programs may incorporate activities such, as high intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional movement exercises that echo the movements performed by referees during matches. Providing education to judges regarding nutrition intake strategies to stay hydrated and effective


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recovery methods could significantly enhance their ability to cope with the physical challenges associated with their roles in officiating matches.

The emphasis should shift towards providing assistance to judges to assist them in coping with performance pressure and developing

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mental resilience effectively. Implementing training programs similar, to those employed in elite sports could be particularly effective in this regard. Such programs could instruct judges on methods such,

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as practices, cognitive rehabilitation, and visualization to aid them in maintaining concentration and self-assurance during situations (referencing Mellalieu et al., 2009).

Establishing a community of referees could offer a valuable platform for them to exchange insights and strategies, for managing stress effectively. Addressing the challenges that elite athletes encounter could be normalized through debriefing sessions and mentorship initiatives facilitated by sports psychology professionals or seasoned officials (Slack et al., 2013). These measures have the potential to foster an environment that promotes learning and development than fostering a sense of apprehension, towards failure.

In conclusion our findings emphasize the significance of recognizing and addressing the stressors faced by hockey referees across playing levels. Enhancing the experience of umpiring can be achieved by implementing tailored interventions that address both the psychological aspects of the role. This approach benefits not those individuals, in positions but also enhances the overall quality and equity of hockey across all tiers of competition.

In the years ahead researchers may explore the effectiveness of these personalized solutions to further understand their impact, on the field of umpiring in sports like hockey. To accomplish this goal effectively ongoing research studies could be conducted to monitor and evaluate factors such as umpires’ being performance levels and

job retention rates. Moreover, delving into the correlations between fitness and mental resilience in relation to officiating duties could offer insights into developing comprehensive support systems for referees, in the world of hockey.

Finally, we would like to offer some recommendations as a conclusion.

Based our findings show that local referees experience levels of stress compared

to counterparts particularly, in matters related to physical fitness recommendations include the following;

National organizations should consider organizing exercise camps and workshops on a basis.

Craft comprehensive workout routines tailored specifically for ice hockey referees.

For communities, across the globe;

Provide individuals with support, for wellbeing to manage performance related anxiety and stress effectively. Facilitate knowledge transfer from judges, to newcomers to enhance their self assurance.

Step number three is to analyze each level thoroughly.

Incorporate stress management training, into umpires’ education; Regularly assess umpires’ being and stress levels; Promote discussions among umpires about their experiences and coping mechanisms, for stress.

Addressing these stressors can assist hockey teams in supporting their referees to perform effectively and maintain their well-being, for a longer period of time; ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole.

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