Development of, and Initial Validity Evidence for, the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale: A Multistudy Report

Abstract

The purpose of this multistudy report was to develop, and then to provide initial validity evidence for measures derived from, the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were collected from referees (N = 1609) in the United States (n = 978) and Spain (n = 631). In Study 1 (n = 512), a single-group exploratory structural equation model provided evidence for four factors: game knowledge, decision making, pressure, and communication. In Study 2 (n = 1153), multiple-group confirmatory factor analytic models provided evidence for partial factorial invariance by country, level of competition, team gender, and sport refereed. In Study 3 (n = 456), potential sources of referee self-efficacy information combined to account for a moderate or large amount of variance in each dimension of referee self-efficacy with years of referee experience, highest level refereed, physical/mental preparation, and environmental comfort, each exerting at least two statistically significant direct effects.

Examining the Relationship between Referee Self-efficacy and General Self-efficacy Levels of Football, Basketball and Handball Referees

“…When the relationship between the total score of GSE, and total score of REFS and REFS sub-dimensions is examined, it was found that the highest correlation between was REFS total score and GSE total score and the lowest correlation was between GSE total score and physical competency. Similarly, Myers et al [23] and revealed that all the variables positively and significantly correlated each other when they examined the relationships between the football, basketball and handball referees' physical fitness, game knowledge, decision making, pressure, communication, REFS and GSE total scores. Moreover, examined the relationship between total score of GSE, and total score of REFS and REFS sub-dimensions and found a positive and significant relationship.…”

“…However, it was found no significant difference between football, basketball and handball referees' physical fitness sub-dimension and GSE total scores and their ages. Myers et al [23] and concluded that there is a positive and significant difference between game knowledge, decision making, pressure, communication, REFS total scores and refereeing years. Guillén and Feltz [8] stated that refereeing experiences of referees have an impact on their self-efficacy.…”

“…Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS) was firstly developed by Myers et al [23] in 2012. Turkish adaptation of the scale was conducted by Karaçam and Pulur [24].…”

“…Guillén and Feltz [8], Myers et al [23] and Karaçam and Pulur [24] stated that referee self-efficacy is composed of game knowledge and strategic skills, decision making skills, psychological skills, in-game interaction -supervision and physical fitness factors. Based on the self-sufficiency theory and studies of self-efficacy in sport, Guillén and Feltz [8] stated that referees whose self-efficacy is high take truer decisions, show more effective performance and show more commitment to their jobs.…”

“…In a study conducted by Hepler and Feltz [26], self-efficacy level has an important impact on decision making. By the way, Myers et al [23], Karaçam and Pulur [24] and Karaçam and Pulur [27] concluded that referees' physical fitness, game knowledge, decision making, pressure, communication, referee self-efficacy and general self-efficacy effects each other positively. Moreover, Myers et al [23], Karaçam and Pulur [24][25][26][27] found a positive correlation between self-efficacy levels of referees and their ages and refereeing experience and stated that self-efficacy levels of referees increase as their age and refereeing experience increase.…”