Nufi Saidatus Tsaniyah, Nurhadi, Thoriq Munir Alkatiri, Anung Priambodo, Achmad Widodo

Indonesian Referees' Anxiety Level When Officiating a Football Match

Introduction

Indonesian referees' anxiety level when officiating a football match. Analyze anxiety levels of Indonesian football referees during professional matches. Study finds most have low anxiety (52.4%), but some face cognitive/affective challenges.

Abstract

Background: Football is a highly popular sport worldwide, including in Indonesia. In football matches, referees play a crucial role that significantly determines the course of the game and its final outcome. However, this role often leads to pressure that can trigger anxiety due to physical, mental, and emotional demands from various parties such as players, coaches, and spectators. This study aims to analyze the level of anxiety experienced by Indonesian football referees when officiating professional matches. Methods: This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with surveys as the data collection method. The research sample consists of 21 professional football referees in Indonesia, aged 25-40 years, with 1-18 years of experience. The research instrument used is the Football Referee Anxiety Scale (FRAS) questionnaire, covering four dimensions of anxiety: cognitive, affective, somatic, and motoric. Results: The study results show that the majority of referees have a low level of anxiety, with an average score of 67.19. A total of 52.4% of referees have low anxiety, while 33.3% fall into the high category. The most prominent aspects of anxiety are cognitive and affective dimensions, where several referees experience difficulties in decision-making and emotional burdens Conclusions: The level of anxiety among Indonesian football referees when officiating professional matches varies. Most referees have a low level of anxiety. The most frequently affected aspects of anxiety include the cognitive and affective dimensions, which involve feelings of worry, difficulty concentrating, and emotional burdens.  Keywords: anxiety; referee anxiety; football referee

Review

This study provides a valuable initial exploration into the anxiety levels experienced by Indonesian football referees, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of sports psychology. The paper's aim to analyze anxiety in this specific demographic is clear and pertinent, offering unique insights into the pressures faced by professional officials in a highly popular sport within the Indonesian context. The use of the Football Referee Anxiety Scale (FRAS) is an appropriate choice, allowing for a structured assessment across relevant dimensions of anxiety. The descriptive quantitative approach is well-suited for this foundational investigation, and the identification of cognitive and affective dimensions as prominent areas of concern offers targeted insights for potential support mechanisms. The findings indicate a mixed picture: while most referees reported low anxiety, a significant proportion (33.3%) fell into the high anxiety category, highlighting a considerable challenge for some individuals. The specific mention of difficulties in decision-making and emotional burdens within the cognitive and affective dimensions is particularly insightful, suggesting areas where psychological support or specialized training could be most beneficial. However, a primary limitation stems from the relatively small sample size of 21 professional referees. While providing preliminary data, this size significantly constrains the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of Indonesian football referees. A larger, more diverse sample would undoubtedly strengthen the statistical power and external validity of the conclusions drawn. In conclusion, this study serves as an important first step in understanding the psychological landscape of Indonesian football referees. It successfully establishes that anxiety levels vary and pinpoints specific dimensions requiring attention. To build upon this foundation, future research should aim for a larger and more representative sample to corroborate these initial findings. Furthermore, incorporating qualitative methodologies could provide deeper, richer insights into the specific stressors, coping strategies, and lived experiences that contribute to these anxiety levels. Exploring the potential correlations between anxiety and factors such as experience, specific match conditions, or the efficacy of psychological interventions would also be highly beneficial, ultimately contributing to the improved well-being and performance of football officials.

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